Center for Active Design in the News

May 8, 2025- As conversations around the stability of federally supported programs grow, it's important to underscore what makes Fitwel unique. Fitwel is not owned or operated by the federal government, and it does not receive federal funding.

April 22, 2025- Explore five key takeaways from the newly updated Fitwel Ambassador Course—including the latest research on climate resilience, equity, and the business case for health—designed to help you optimize real estate for health, sustainability, and value.

March 25, 2025- The real estate industry is increasingly prioritizing healthier buildings, with research showing financial benefits like higher rents and improved tenant retention. Discover how investors, owners, and tenants can align economic and human well-being to shape the future of real estate.

February 24, 2025- The Los Angeles community is reeling from the devastating effects of record-breaking wildfires that have caused staggering property losses and displaced thousands. With the fires burning over 62 square miles, the toll on human life and wildlife continues to rise. As we reflect on this tragedy, it’s crucial to understand the climate and real estate challenges that contributed to this crisis and what lies ahead for Los Angeles and beyond in the aftermath.

January 23, 2025- Explore key health and wellness trends shaping the built environment in 2025, from climate resilience and biodiversity to air quality, healthy food access, and third spaces. Discover how real estate can adapt to these challenges while driving value and promoting well-being.

January 2, 2025- Recent years have underscored the critical link between indoor air quality (IAQ) and health, as global challenges like COVID-19 and the escalating climate crisis have brought the issue to the forefront. As a high-impact strategy across all Fitwel building scorecards, in collaboration with Trane Technologies we set out to understand the decision-making processes, implementation challenges, and knowledge gaps that lead to indoor air quality policy uptake, or lack thereof. Based on over 250 survey responses we gained the following insights into the trials and tribulations that come with managing IAQ effectively.

October 16, 2024- “With a people-first approach grounded in rigorous public health research, the addition of Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery to our Board reinforces our commitment to delivering data-driven, evidence-based solutions,” said Sara Karerat, Managing Director of Center for Active Design. “Their expertise will not only create healthier environments but also provide measurable value to real estate stakeholders.”
We’re thrilled to see our new board members, Jessica and Rachel, recognized as 'movers and shakers' in the latest Fortune Most Powerful Women Newsletter.

Oct. 15, 2024- CfAD is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders, Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery, to its Board of Directors. Long, Senior Vice President of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability at Nareit, and MacCleery, Co-Executive Director at the Urban Land Institute's Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate, bring a wealth of expertise in ESG, sustainability, and public health.

Aug. 6, 2024- This month’s insights from the Center for Active Design experts focus on the implications of the new proposed congestion pricing policy in New York City. Congestion pricing reduces traffic, improves air quality, and promotes equity in urban areas.

Learn how this initiative could positively transform urban life in our expert's blog.