Empire State Realty Wins WELL Health-Safety Award Again
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., has announced that it has been awarded the 2024 IWBI WELL Health-Safety Leadership Award, in recognition of its commitment to the health and well-being of building occupants. The award is particularly notable because ESRT achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating across 100% of its portfolio every year since 2020, underscoring the company’s continued dedication to operational excellence, tenant satisfaction, and long-term building resilience.
Commitment to Occupant Health and Well-being
Empire State Realty Trust has long been an industry leader in the integration of sustainability, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality into its properties. These efforts are not just beneficial for the environment; they also contribute directly to the well-being of tenants, ultimately resulting in higher occupancy and better returns for investors. The WELL Health-Safety Rating, awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), serves as evidence of this commitment. The rating focuses on the health and safety of building occupants, with a rigorous evaluation process that assesses air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources, and stakeholder engagement. ESRT’s ability to maintain this certification across its portfolio for four consecutive years demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the physical and mental health of building occupants.
Tony Malkin, Chairman and CEO of ESRT, expressed pride in the company’s leadership in these areas. “ESRT has long been an industry leader in quantitative energy, sustainability, and indoor environmental quality performance, which deliver measurable value for our tenants and investors,” Malkin said. “Our commitment and proven performance in occupant health and building efficiency throughout our portfolio are reflected through our continued success with the WELL at scale program.” This achievement is especially significant in light of the ongoing focus on workplace wellness, which has become a critical factor for businesses looking to attract and retain tenants in an increasingly competitive real estate market.
Setting the Standard for Sustainability and Environmental Quality
ESRT’s focus in 2024 was on sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant health, with an emphasis on forward-looking goals based on science and return on investment (ROI). The company’s efforts extend beyond meeting standards for health and safety, and also include initiatives focused on reducing carbon footprints, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the sustainability of its properties. These efforts have been recognized by multiple organizations.
In 2024, ESRT received Five Stars, an A rating, and the highest GRESB score of all Americas’ listed companies for the second consecutive year. The GRESB (Global ESG Benchmark for Real Assets) score evaluates real estate assets based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This top ranking solidifies ESRT’s position as a leader in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Additionally, ESRT was honored with the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the company’s ongoing commitment to energy-efficient practices.
These achievements are particularly impressive given the scale of ESRT’s portfolio, which includes a mix of office, retail, and multifamily properties. The company is also the first portfolio in the Americas to be WELL Certified by IWBI and has maintained that certification since 2020, marking a significant achievement in the integration of health and safety standards into its buildings. As of December 31, 2024, ESRT’s portfolio encompasses approximately 7.8 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.8 million rentable square feet of retail space, and 732 residential units, all of which benefit from the company’s holistic approach to building design and management.
Focus on Wellness and Sustainability
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verification system that evaluates the operational aspects of a building to ensure it prioritizes occupant health. It is based on a comprehensive set of criteria that include air and water quality, cleaning and disinfecting practices, emergency preparedness plans, and the availability of health-related resources. These elements are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy environment for building occupants, which in turn can lead to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and greater satisfaction among tenants.
In addition to its focus on health and safety, ESRT also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The company’s efforts are aimed at reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient building systems, waste reduction strategies, and the use of sustainable materials. By aligning its operations with global standards for sustainability, ESRT continues to create value not only for its tenants but also for the broader community.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from IWBI,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of IWBI. “When leaders focus on the well-being of their workforce, everyone wins. When employees thrive, so too does the business. ESRT’s exceptional leadership in delivering environments that prioritize the health and safety of building occupants is an inspiration to us all.” This sentiment highlights the importance of integrating wellness into the built environment, a philosophy that has become increasingly important in today’s post-pandemic world.
The Future of Building Health and Safety
Looking ahead, ESRT plans to continue advancing its leadership in sustainability and building health. As tenant expectations evolve and the demand for healthier and more sustainable spaces grows, ESRT’s continued commitment to innovation in these areas will likely play a key role in shaping the future of real estate management. With the global push toward reducing carbon emissions and improving the health and safety of indoor environments, companies like ESRT that prioritize these factors are well-positioned for success.
In addition to its environmental and wellness initiatives, ESRT is also committed to transparency. The company regularly publishes its Sustainability Report, which details its sustainability targets, practices, and progress. This report allows stakeholders to track ESRT’s performance and assess the company’s ongoing efforts to improve building efficiency, occupant health, and overall environmental quality.
