Empire State Realty Trust Inc. has become one of the first commercial office and multifamily portfolios in the U.S. to achieve the Well Equity Rating through the International Well Building Institute (IWBI)’s Well at scale pathway. Additionally, ESRT received the 2023 IWBI Health-Safety Leadership Award for its prioritization of occupant health and well-being through industry-leading indoor environmental quality measures and achievement of the Well Health-Safety Rating across 100% of its portfolio in each year of participation since 2020.
“Our continued leadership and long-term commitments to the wellness and health equity of our tenants and employees is celebrated through our consistent achievements within the IWBI’s Well at scale program,” said ESRT Chairman and CEO Tony Malkin. “Our achievement of the inaugural Well Equity Rating is a reflection of our accountability and strides in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our corporate culture.”
Throughout 2023, ESRT focused on employee health and well-being and promoted an inclusive culture through competitive benefits, employee engagement and volunteerism and industry-leading practices in sustainability and indoor environmental quality. ESRT was the first commercial real estate portfolio in the Americas to achieve the Well Health-Safety Rating in 2020 and among the first to commit to Well at scale and inaugural Well Equity Rating in 2022.
“Leading organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of their employees and tenants are not only helping cultivate a safer, healthier and more productive workforce, but also experience higher occupancy and retention,” said Rachel Hodgdon, president and CEO, IWBI. “We are excited to celebrate Empire State Realty Trust for its steadfast commitment to people-first places. Not only has it achieved the Well Health-Safety Rating for the third year in a row, but it has also achieved the Well Equity Rating across its entire portfolio. We commend ESRT for this outstanding leadership milestone.”
The Well Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verification for all new and existing buildings that focuses on operational excellence and long-term resilience through air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources and stakeholder engagement. The Well Equity Rating is a roadmap designed to help organizations act on their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, and improve company culture and employee health.
