The ULI Building Healthy Places Initiative leverages the power of the Institute’s global networks to shape projects and places in ways that improve the health of people and communities. The initiative works to make health and social equity mainstream considerations in real estate practice.

Since its inception in 2013, the Building Healthy Places Initiative has been engaging, informing, and inspiring ULI members to promote human health and wellness through their professional practice as well as through their leadership and influence in communities. By addressing pressing health challenges and proactively promoting health and social equity, real estate leaders can reduce risks and build projects and places of enduring value.

Building Healthy Places Initiative’s goals include:

• Make communities healthier and more equitable
• Drive industry change toward health and equity
• Cultivate champions for health and social equity among the ULI membership

Social and racial equity are cornerstones of the work of the ULI Building Healthy Places Initiative. Focus areas span a number of the social determinants of health, including transportation, parks and open spaces, food, buildings, housing, and communities.

Building Healthy Places Initiative has lifted up best practices in city and community building with a multifaceted and interdisciplinary program — including research and publications, convenings, and advisory activities.

It is core to the mission of ULI to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. A truly just city is one where everyone is able to thrive. Building Healthy Places responds to the deep commitment of ULI members to contribute to the creation of healthier and more equitable, sustainable, and resilient people and places.

Building Healthy Places is grateful for the financial support of major U.S. foundations, as well as ULI members.

Areas of Work

The program comprises the following areas of work:

• Leadership and Learning: Building Healthy Places cultivates member and partner champions for health and social equity.
• Industry, Buildings, Community: Building Healthy Places drives industry change and promotes health and social equity in communities, development, and buildings.
• Healthy Housing: Housing directly affects individuals’ health and the wellbeing of communities. Building Healthy Places elevates health as a priority in housing.
• Healthy, Equitable, and Sustainable Transportation: Transportation is a key social determinant of health. Building Healthy Places explores how cities and real estate leaders can advance healthy, equitable, active and sustainable transportation policies and practices.
• Equitable Parks and Open Spaces: Building Healthy Places makes cities and regions healthier by supporting equitable access to parks.
• Food and Real Estate: Building Healthy Places promotes equitable access to healthy food through real estate strategies.

For more information on the Building Healthy Places Initiative, please visit: https://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/building-healthy-places-initiative/