Center for Active Design Expands Board with New Leaders
The Center for Active Design (CfAD) has recently taken a significant step to strengthen its mission of promoting health and wellbeing in building design by proudly appointing Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery to its Board of Directors. These two industry veterans bring an extensive background in public health, ESG, and sustainability, enhancing the organization’s ability to better serve the healthy building movement.
Experience of Jessica Long
Jessica Long currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability at Nareit. With an impressive record, she is recognized for her leadership in sustainability across the real estate sector. Long has been instrumental in launching thought leadership initiatives that align with core sustainability strategies, notably through Nareit's Real Estate Sustainability Council.
Initiatives at Nareit
Under Long's leadership, Nareit has made significant strides in sustainability, focusing on boldly addressing climate risk and reducing carbon footprints through its U.S. real estate portfolio. This extensive experience is likely to play a crucial role at CfAD, as the organization continues its journey towards fostering healthier environments.
Rachel MacCleery’s Contributions
Rachel MacCleery, Co-Executive Director at the Urban Land Institute's Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate, is another valuable addition to the CfAD board. MacCleery has led numerous initiatives centered around sustainability, health, and social equity, emphasizing the importance of these elements in real estate development. Her vast knowledge in these areas allows her to inspire and mobilize action among colleagues and stakeholders alike.
Commitment to Resilient Communities
MacCleery places great emphasis on creating resilient communities through sustainable practices. Her insights into the intersection of land use, real estate, and public health will serve CfAD well as it seeks to empower real estate professionals to adopt strategies that prioritize occupant health and foster active, equitable environments.
Organizational Impact
Both Long and MacCleery's appointments signify the Center for Active Design's commitment to advancing innovation in healthy building practices. Joanna Frank, President and CEO of CfAD, expressed enthusiasm over the new board members, appreciating their depth of experience and dedication to the cause. This boost in leadership is anticipated to enhance the impact of Fitwel Certification, thereby broadening the reach of health-driven strategies across the real estate sector.
Health-Driven Design Strategies
Frank highlighted the importance of integrating health and wellbeing into the built environment while addressing that the insights and expertise brought in by Long and MacCleery will be invaluable. The initiative aims to ensure that health-centric design strategies become a norm, promoting healthier, more resilient communities through innovative, evidence-based solutions.
Fitwel’s Role in Real Estate
Fitwel, developed with input from leading health authorities, equips real estate professionals with the tools necessary to create spaces that positively impact health and wellbeing. This certification is not only recognized globally but has received backing from top-tier real estate companies. Fitwel helps stakeholders understand how design features and operational strategies can enhance the health and satisfaction of building occupants.
About the Center for Active Design
The Center for Active Design operates the Fitwel certification system and serves as an essential organization dedicated to fostering healthier communities through design. Its dedication to research and education, combined with new initiatives like Adai, is setting a robust foundation for expanding Fitwel’s global reach, empowering professionals across multiple sectors to make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Center for Active Design do?
The Center for Active Design promotes health and wellbeing in building design through certifications, research, and education aimed at creating healthier communities.
Who are the new board members?
Jessica Long, Senior Vice President at Nareit, and Rachel MacCleery, Co-Executive Director at the Urban Land Institute, have been appointed to the board.
What is the Fitwel certification?
Fitwel is a certification system that helps create healthier environments by applying public health research to building design and operations.
Why is the board expansion significant?
The addition of Long and MacCleery enhances the board’s expertise in sustainability and public health, supporting CfAD's mission to integrate health into real estate.
How can individuals contribute to healthy building efforts?
By advocating for health-centric design practices and engaging with organizations like CfAD, individuals can help promote the importance of healthy environments.
