Fintech PR
Fitwel & EVORA Global Launch ‘Social Performance’ Following Successful Completion of Pilot Program with Leading Companies in Real Estate
Newly branded entity-wide certification pathway quantifying health & value for “S” in ESG expands to exclusive group of early adopters for Phase 2 of launch
CANNES, France, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fitwel®, the global healthy building certification and data insights platform, launched phase two of its groundbreaking new solution that, for the first time, quantifies Social performance by overlaying health research and financial data to identify strategies that have the greatest impact on stakeholders and asset value. Phase one was successfully piloted last year in collaboration with sustainability advisor, EVORA Global, enlisting an exclusive first cohort of some of the largest commercial real estate owners and asset managers worldwide. This portfolio-scale certification pathway has proven to be essential for substantiating “S” data for real estate, addressing the growing demand – driven by both investors and forthcoming regulations – for a rigorous and standardized approach to integrate “Social” metrics, including health and wellbeing measures, into ESG reporting. Social Performance by Fitwel will receive recognition by GRESB for 2024 reporting.
First introduced in 2023 under the name Certified Metrics, Social Performance by Fitwel realizes the potential for an entity-wide ESG solution by offering a complimentary pathway to Fitwel’s asset certification, effectively addressing a prominent market gap. Together, the existing asset-level certification and Social Performance provide 100% portfolio assessment, allowing asset managers and investors to:
- Generate portfolio-wide insights for social and material risk;
- Optimize asset performance by generating gap analysis based on S criteria;
- Report on goal-based performance with third-party certified data;
- Compare performance to industry peers;
- Include all assets in certification assessments.
Fitwel has begun rolling out Phase 2 of Social Performance. For more information and to become an early adopter, visit fitwel.org/socialperformance.
The initial pilot of Social Performance was led by Fitwel Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) members, including BGO, Harrison Street, Hudson Pacific Properties, Lendlease Americas, PGIM, QuadReal Property Group, and Vornado Realty Trust, and expanded to a larger pilot cohort, including Barings, Kayne Anderson Real Estate, Fabrix, and others.
While voluntary ESG reporting has become the norm, nearly half of investors find the ‘S’ to be the most difficult ESG factor to codify, analyze and embed into investment strategies, according to a 2022 Deloitte Survey. At the same time, in the European market, anticipated reporting regulations will require more stringent reporting standards for ESG metrics, particularly as commercial real estate companies in Europe prepare for their first round of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive reporting.
The new social solution is the result of years-long analysis by Fitwel’s non-profit research arm, the Center for Active Design, on the economic impacts of the evidence-based strategies included in the Fitwel Standard. This resulted in the identification of a subset of strategies with the greatest impact on not only occupant and community health, but also material risk and financial value.
“Social Performance by Fitwel is the only certification pathway applicable to all real estate assets and designed to measure and track the Social performance of real estate funds on an entity scale. Together with EVORA Global and the first cohort of pilot users, we have made it possible to clearly define the value of Social strategies, providing structured insights to inform continuous improvement for stakeholders – an industry first,” said Joanna Frank, President & CEO of Fitwel. “Social reporting will become as commonplace as environmental reporting in the coming years, and we’re thrilled to accelerate this transformation right here at MIPIM, the largest global stage for commercial real estate in the world.”
Philippa Gill, Executive Director at EVORA Global, added: “We are delighted to be working with Fitwel on such a critical step forward for the real estate sector. Every building has been created for people, whether to live, eat, work or shop, and the new Social Performance portfolio methodology now allows investors and managers to understand and track the human and financial impact of social measures.”
Social Performance by Fitwel in Action
Pilot users from a diverse range of real estate investors and fund managers provided invaluable input which enabled the product to be ready for a full public launch.
QuadReal Property Group, a long-time strategic partner and Fitwel investor, was a first adopter of Fitwel’s social solution, Social Performance, as a pilot user, providing invaluable input to help craft a market-ready tool for the industry.
“Through thoughtful placemaking, QuadReal contributes to the resilience of local economies by creating spaces that improve health and wellbeing. Buildings are a vital component of a healthy society and we are committed to improving environments that support individual and community wellbeing. The Social Performance report by Fitwel is one way we can dive deeper into understanding the health aspects of our portfolio and how it compares to peers,” said Jamie Gray-Donald, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & EHS at QuadReal. “We have been an early user of the Fitwel certification program to support our approach to health and wellness and Social Performance provides the benchmarking summary. It allows us to continue refining specific health-promoting initiatives across the portfolio in a thoughtful and strategic way.”
Fitwel & EVORA at MIPIM
Joanna Frank and Philippa Gill will both be attending and participating at MIPIM 2024 at Palais des Festivals convention centre in Cannes, France. Joanna will be speaking on a panel session titled, Demonstrating Social Impact: Leveraging Qualitative Research for Effective Communication and Reporting on Thursday March 14th at 11:10am at the Make It Happen Stage (Palais 3).
About Fitwel
Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all. Generated by expert analysis of 7,000+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design (CfAD), a global not-for-profit organization, maintains the Fitwel standard and conducts objective third-party assessments that lead to certified projects. CfAD’s new business unit, Adai (pronounced “a-DAY”), is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market, administering the program while providing best-in-class customer service and technical support. To learn more about Fitwel, please visit: www.fitwel.org.
About EVORA Global
EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 250 clients.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fitwel–evora-global-launch-social-performance-following-successful-completion-of-pilot-program-with-leading-companies-in-real-estate-302084597.html
TAIPEI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the global leading security solution provider, has once again demonstrated its outstanding commitment to sustainability. Participating for the first time in the 17th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA), VIVOTEK emerged victorious, earning the Sustainability Report Award for the Information, Communication, and Broadcasting Industry and the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Excellence Award. These recognitions showcase VIVOTEK’s remarkable success in corporate governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility, affirming its dedication to sustainable growth.
Pioneering Sustainability with Dual Recognition
“For over seven years, VIVOTEK has independently published sustainability reports, actively driving and disclosing our internal sustainability initiatives.” said Allen Hsieh, VIVOTEK’s Spokesperson and Director of the Global Marketing Division. “These awards not only recognize our integrity and efforts in presenting operational performance, environmental data, and social impact but also serve as a strong motivation for us to continue advancing on the path of sustainable development.”
Driving Sustainability through AI Innovation
VIVOTEK delivers advanced AI-powered security solutions built on cutting-edge AI and edge computing technologies. Beyond innovation, the company drives green initiatives, reduces its carbon footprint, and fosters a sustainable, supportive workplace.
Committed to social responsibility, VIVOTEK leads the security industry’s sustainability efforts through its ‘Safety Map’ initiative. For four years, employees have formed security teams to enhance safety in neighborhoods, care centers, and schools with on-site assessments and improvement plans.
In 2024, VIVOTEK will expand its efforts to Hualien’s Dacheng Village, where it will help improve local safety environments and support cultural preservation and tourism revitalization. These actions reflect its dedication to sustainability, community well-being, and lasting societal contributions.
Security Sustainability as a Foundation for Social Impact
VIVOTEK proudly received two prestigious honors at the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices. These accolades inspire the company to deepen its internal efforts and mark the start of an exciting new chapter.
Building on this achievement, VIVOTEK aims to strengthen its mission of becoming the world’s most trusted smart security brand. By aligning with global market needs and fostering collaboration with customers, partners, and employees, VIVOTEK is committed to shaping a sustainable future founded on mutual trust and shared success.
To learn more about VIVOTEK’s sustainability initiatives, please refer to the 2023 Sustainability Report.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vivotek-wins-double-honors-for-its-commitment-to-sustainability-302339223.html
Fintech PR
2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters” Successfully Concluded
GUIYANG, China, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To fully implement the spirit of “carrying forward China’s cultural heritage” and “promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture”, the 2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters”, organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and hosted by www.huanqiu.com, has successfully concluded on Dec.16. The contest drew thousands of teenagers from both China and abroad, who used cultural empowerment and innovative designs of Chinese characters to narrate and promote Guiyang.
At the “Colorful Guizhou • Literary Plateau” Farming and Reading Event, 59 outstanding works from 26 countries, along with 21 representative pieces from various countries and regions, were showcased. According to the organizing committee of the Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters, “This exhibition serves as both a lasting commemoration of the event and a report to all those who care about the inheritance and promotion of Guiyang and Chinese culture.”
In their submissions, the teenagers selected Chinese characters or phrases they believed best represented Guiyang and reimagined them through innovative designs. Outstanding designs incorporated Guiyang’s iconic architecture and cultural landmarks into Chinese characters to present the city’s urban landscape and historical culture. Some works spotlighted Guiyang’s distinctive cuisine, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse local culinary culture. Some other designs drew inspiration from martial arts villages in Guizhou and featured dragon motifs to symbolize the depth and vitality of Guizhou culture.
Saison from Tajikistan was among the participants in this year’s Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters. Speaking about his design of the Chinese characters, he shared that his design sought to merge the beauty of Chinese characters with the charm of Guiyang. “Guiyang is a captivating place, known for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and diverse ethnic minorities. I tried to incorporate the beauty of Guiyang into my Chinese character design, hoping to convey the city’s charm and the wonders of Chinese characters through my work.”
The contest officially opened for submissions on September 30. In an effort to boost public engagement and participation, a “cheerleading campaign” was organized for shortlisted works from November 22 to 29. Following expert reviews, 80 outstanding works were ultimately selected for public exhibition.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-global-youth-design-contest-on-chinese-characters-themed-guiyang-in-characters-successfully-concluded-302339323.html
Fintech PR
Markets Show Resilience Ahead of End-of-Year Options Expirations: Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Report
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released the latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report in collaboration with Block Scholes, highlighting the muted market volatility despite major options expirations on Friday. BTC and ETH’s realized volatility has increased, but short-term options haven’t adjusted to this change. This indicates that while spot prices are fluctuating, the options market is not fully reacting to these shifts, although BTC and ETH volumes have displayed slightly different patterns.
With more than $525 million in BTC and ETH options contracts expiring on Dec 27, 2024’s end-of-year options expiration looks set to be one of the biggest yet, yet expectations for volatility have remained subdued. The report highlights an unusual inversion in ETH’s volatility structure, but BTC has not mirrored the reaction. Additionally, a change in funding rates—sometimes turning negative as spot prices drop—signals a new market phase. Notably, BTC’s volatility structure has been less responsive to changes in spot prices, whereas ETH’s short-term options are exhibiting more noticeable fluctuations.
Key Findings:
BTC Options Expirations:
In the past month, BTC’s realized volatility has been higher than implied volatility on three occasions, each time reaching a relatively calm equilibrium. Open interest in BTC options remains high, contributing to potential increased volatility as we near the end of the year. Around $360 million worth of BTC options (both puts and calls) are set to expire soon, which can affect price movement.
ETH Options: Calls Dominate
Despite a mid-week inversion, ETH’s volatility term structure has flattened, maintaining levels similar to those seen over the past month. In the final week of 2024, calls overwhelmed puts in open interest in ETH options, although market movements and trading activities are more on the put side.
Access the Full Report:
Gain deeper insights and explore the potential impacts on your crypto trading strategies by downloading the full report here: Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Dec 24, 2024)
#Bybit / #BybitResearch
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/markets-show-resilience-ahead-of-end-of-year-options-expirations-bybit-x-block-scholes-crypto-derivatives-report-302339299.html
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