Empire State Realty Trust Repeats WELL Health-Safety Leadership Award, Adds Healthy Building Catalyst Honor

Event summary

  • Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) won the 2025 WELL Health-Safety Leadership Award for the second consecutive year and the Healthy Building Catalyst Award.
  • 100% of ESRT’s portfolio has maintained the WELL Health-Safety Rating since 2020.
  • ESRT achieved Five Stars, an A rating, and the highest GRESB management score among Americas’ companies in 2025.
  • The company’s entire NYC commercial portfolio is ENERGY STAR or NextGen certified.

The big picture

Empire State Realty Trust’s repeated recognition underscores the growing importance of health and wellness certifications in commercial real estate. As sustainability and indoor environmental quality become key differentiators, ESRT’s full-portfolio WELL certification positions it as a leader in a market increasingly prioritizing tenant well-being. The company’s consistent high GRESB scores further reinforce its commitment to measurable sustainability outcomes.

What we're watching

Sustainability Leadership
Whether ESRT can maintain its top GRESB management score and full-portfolio WELL certification amid evolving sustainability standards.
Market Differentiation
How ESRT’s health and wellness focus will impact tenant retention and leasing premiums in a competitive NYC office market.
Regulatory Compliance
The pace at which health and safety certifications become mandatory requirements for commercial real estate portfolios.