Are you the person who walks on the treadmill during video calls? Or maybe who stands up mid-call when your health monitor reminds you to go for a walk? A gym in the office building or apartment complex are amenities of the past: they only check one box on the health and wellness spectrum when it comes to today's modern building. In fact, according to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness real estate market is projected to reach $913 billion by 2028. This growing demand has prompted architects, developers, and property managers to rethink how they design and operate buildings to reflect the needs of a society that values wellness more than ever.
Here at Emerald Built Environments, A Crete United Company, we often discuss how green building certifications like LEED and WELL incorporate wellness and human health. They aren't the only solutions for building owners and developers seeking to provide wellness features. Another noteworthy program we are increasingly certifying projects towards is Fitwel. Whether you’re aiming to attract health-conscious tenants or want to create a better environment for occupants, Fitwel offers a straightforward, research-backed approach to designing and operating healthier buildings.
What is Fitwel Certification?
Fitwel was initially developed in 2016 through a partnership between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA). It was created with the input of over 7,000 academic studies to support its core mission of enhancing health outcomes through practical design and operational strategies in buildings. At its heart, the certification encourages evidence-based improvements to building environments. These improvements range from promoting physical movement (think active stairwells and bike storage) to ensuring spaces are free from harmful chemicals.
The CDC and GSA have stepped back from Fitwel, which is now primarily managed by the Center for Active Design (CfAD). Founded in 2012 to address the need for health-centric design solutions, the Center for Active Design (CfAD) is a nonprofit dedicated to leveraging architecture, urban planning, and environmental design for healthier communities. As Fitwel’s operator, CfAD acts as its steward, guiding projects worldwide toward designs that bolster occupant well-being and social equity. This blend of research and real-world application makes CfAD a trusted ally for developers and sustainability consultants alike.
Core Principles of Fitwel
Fitwel assesses buildings based on seven primary health impact categories that collectively shape a holistic approach to occupant well-being. These categories underscore everything from mental health and physical activity to community engagement. Below is a snapshot of each category and how it influences building design and management.
1. Impacts Community Health
Fitwel encourages designs that go beyond the building’s walls to support the surrounding neighborhood. By situating properties near essential amenities like grocery stores, parks, or healthcare facilities, developers contribute to vibrant communities. This community-level approach to public health is tied to a decrease in inequality and health gaps.
2. Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism
A healthier environment can lower rates of chronic illness and reduce absenteeism, which costs employers an average of $2,945 per employee every year. Adequate ventilation, proper hygiene facilities, and supportive workplace policies all play a role.
3. Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations
Fitwel recognizes that not all building occupants and communities have the same needs. This category highlights inclusive designs and policies ensuring equitable access for everyone. This category is broad and can range from improving accessibility to increasing access to public transportation.
4. Instills Feelings of Well-Being
Well-being improves both physical and mental health. This translates to real, meaningful improvements in life and productivity for workers and tenants. Options like incorporating natural light, greenery, and communal areas, as well as access to nature and outdoor areas, can improve mental health and overall happiness.
5. Enhances Access to Healthy Foods
Healthy eating is integral to overall wellness. Fitwel encourages the availability of nutritious options like on-site cafeterias that serve balanced meals or vending machines stocked with fresh snacks. By making healthy choices more accessible, building owners and managers can support occupant health while potentially cutting healthcare costs in the long run.
6. Promotes Occupant Safety
A building that prioritizes occupant safety reduces risks and instills peace of mind. A core component of this category is protecting vulnerable road users like bikers and pedestrians, which account for over half of all road-related fatalities. Safety measures can also include robust emergency preparedness plans and clearly marked evacuation routes.
7. Increases Physical Activity
Fitwel places a strong emphasis on designing spaces that encourage movement. This might mean installing bike racks, making staircases more inviting, or creating on-site fitness amenities. Supporting a more active lifestyle yields benefits like improved cardiovascular health and reduced stress, which are key selling points for companies seeking to boost employee productivity and satisfaction.
Certification Process
Even though the Fitwel framework covers community to building-level impacts, the path to certification is refreshingly straightforward:
- Registration and Documentation
Start by registering your building or project on the Fitwel portal. The platform guides you through the required documentation, like floor plans and operational policies, so you’ll know exactly which features are under review. - Assessment and Scoring
Fitwel will then provide a scorecard based on which certification pathway is chosen. Then, submit the requested documentation to show that your project complies with the Fitwel scorecard categories. Fitwel then evaluates your project based on its alignment with the seven health impact categories. You’ll receive points for design and policy choices that all contribute to a final score. - Certification Levels
You will be given a 1-star, 2-star, or 3-star rating based on the number of points you receive in the review process. One star shows you meet baseline standards for occupant health. Two stars reflect a strong commitment to wellness. Three stars represent leading-edge designs that significantly elevate the health of occupants and the surrounding community. The certification is valid for 3 years.
Benefits of Fitwel Certification
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue Fitwel certification is its ability to deliver tangible, research-backed results that improve results for occupants, owners, and the environment.
First off, workplaces with comprehensive health programs can see a 25% reduction in absenteeism. This increases workplace satisfaction and impacts everything from morale to the bottom line. This is driving up demand for properties that consider wellness in their design, allowing developers to demand higher rents.
Furthermore, wellness and environmental sustainability are intrinsically connected, reducing these buildings' environmental impact. Ultimately, Fitwel’s framework fosters healthier, more productive settings while enhancing a building’s community impact and long-term value.
Ready to Elevate Your Building?
Fitwel’s research-driven approach delivers healthier, more vibrant spaces that improve occupant satisfaction and property value. For building owners and developers, Fitwel represents a relatively straightforward green building certification that can be standalone or complement something like LEED.
If you’re considering Fitwel (or another green building certification), partnering with sustainability consultants can make the process much easier and more impactful. Emerald Built Environments, A Crete United Company, has the experience to guide you from reviewing your plans to coordinating the documentation needed for certification. Together, we can help you achieve Fitwel certification while staying on schedule and on budget.
