NEW YORK—The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announced the launch of the WELL Equity Rating, a new rating designed to help organizations act on their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals, and improve company culture and employee health. Over 30 leading organizations—including AvalonBay Communities, Canderel, Empire State Realty Trust, JLL, Overbury, Shaw Industries and the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry—have already enrolled in the rating, demonstrating their commitment to creating places where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. By providing an evidence-based roadmap, the WELL Equity Rating empowers organizations to better address the needs...

SAN FRANCISCO—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of buildings that prioritize people, communities and the natural environment. Beginning in early 2023, the partnership will focus on streamlining the process for achieving dual WELL and LEED certifications through a two-way crosswalk and a coordinated third-party review overseen by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization for independently recognizing excellence in green building performance and practice globally. “This is the next chapter in our partnership with IWBI, which has brought global attention and leadership...

CHICAGO—Grounded in its ongoing efforts to inspire and empower travelers to pursue their individual wellbeing goals, World of Hyatt is introducing FIND, an experiences platform, through Hyatt’s industry-leading World of Hyatt loyalty program. With 200+ experiences across 85+ destinations in over 30 countries, the FIND platform is designed to complement members’ wellbeing journeys and meet them where they are. “We know travelers are eager to explore new destinations and are prioritizing their wellbeing now more than ever,” said Amy Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Loyalty, Brand Marketing and Consumer Insights, Hyatt. “The FIND platform allows for more opportunities to enhance World of...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The global wellness industry is currently valued at $4.4 trillion and wellness in hospitality and tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel segments. After the devastating onset of Covid-19, the importance of health, wellness and well-being topics has increased and many educational institutions, industries, organizations and academics are paying more attention to these subjects. As new academic courses and certificate programs commence, the problem of resources arises. For that reason, this book was written to support the global wellness industry, as well as students and instructors in schools and institutions that offer health, wellness and well-being-related courses. The first edition...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) announced a new partnership with the Boardriders Foundation and SeaTrees as part of its Every Stay Does Good program. Through Every Stay Does Good, SCP’s guests help to make the world a better place through special programs that advance the values of wellness, social good and sustainability. With the announcement, SCP will plant one SeaTree—or kelp—each time a guest stays at the SCP Seven4One Hotel or the Laguna Riviera Hotel. The program will help restore the marine ecosystem along the Southern California Coast and foster positive climate change. “We are honored to partner with Boardriders Foundation...

HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y.—Overlooking the mighty Shawangunk Ridge on 140 arcadian acres, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection recently opened as a new, environmentally conscious, luxury retreat, fringed by fiery fall forests and a slow-rippling river. A verdant escape in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, its expansive grounds encompass orchards, woodlands, a namesake farm, heirloom gardens and fields of native wildflowers. Nestled within are 65 bespoke cabins, cottages, and suites; Thistle, an Auberge Spa; Maplehouse cooking school; and exceptional dining destinations, including the resort’s signature restaurant Clay—all inspired by the region’s wild beauty. “Fifteen years ago, my wife, Kristin, and I came to...

SHARM EL-SHEIKH—Bluewater, a Swedish innovator of award-winning hydration solutions and beverages, has lashed out at the lack of decisive action by world lawmakers to halt the production of single-use plastic bottles despite growing evidence of the threat posed to planetary and human health. “Some 1.3 billion plastic bottles are purchased around the world every day and unfortunately many ultimately end up in landfill or the oceans after being discarded, subsequently then leaching a variety of potentially health threatening chemicals and microplastics into the environment,” said Philip Russell, Managing Director of Bluewater’s U.K.-based events company, in a landmark speech in the...

CHICAGO—Miraval Resorts & Spas, a global leader for wellness destinations is continuing its collaboration with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to supporting those affected by mental illness. As the two organizations continue to team up, Miraval Resorts and NAMI are set to develop information and programs designed to help care for Miraval colleagues so they may consciously explore the connections of body, mind, and spirit, and embrace the present moment both in and out of the workplace. This marks the second year of the Miraval and NAMI collaboration, following the 2021 launch of guest and...

SEATTLE—SportsArt, a leader in socially responsible fitness equipment and solutions for over 40 years, recently launched the G778 ECO-POWR Stepper, further expanding its innovative energy-generating line of cardio equipment. The non-motorized G778 ECO-POWR Stepper provides an effective step workout while generating usable electricity in any workout setting. Using SportsArt’s innovative ECO-POWR technology, the G778 converts up to 74 percent of human energy into clean, renewable energy. The built-in technology drives a connection between individual actions and environmental impact by generating up to 220 Wh of electricity per hour workout, offsetting energy consumption. That’s enough to power a computer for more...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Climate leaders gathered for COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, will be able to get a taste of a dynamic new hydration solution from Swedish water and beverage innovator Bluewater. The company’s leading-edge purified water refill stations and sustainable reusable bottles will allow delegates to stay healthily hydrated in the Climate Action Innovation Zone, where Bluewater has been appointed as the Official Hydration Partner. “We are deeply honored that Climate Action chose Bluewater to provide free water refills to all participants at the COP27 Innovation Zone, throughout the entire event from November 7 to 18,” said Bluewater Founder and CEO, Bengt Rittri, one...