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We know LEED. We know WELL. But do you know Fitwel? 

 

Design trends are constantly changing…especially as health comes to the forefront. While the consideration of human health in our built environment isn’t entirely new, it is just now that the building standards and the materials we specify are undergoing an overhaul. 

 

The latest standard to emerge is the Fitwel standard. It was created in 2017 as a joint pilot initiative between the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA) for optimizing design and operations to improve health and productivity results.

 

Fitwel speaks to both enhancing the well-being of occupants and supports healthier communities. It was created in response to the demand for a practical and easily implemented standard for occupant health.

 

So what features make Fitwel stand out now? And why should you consider Fitwel for your next design strategy? 

 

What Makes the Fitwel Standard So Ideal: 

 

Fitwel is Cost Effective 

You read that right. Registration cost for a site or building is kept low.  Fitwel users are allowed  to benchmark buildings in their portfolio and decide which they would like to certify first.  Benchmarking a project does not require documentation and will capture responses that can be used to complete a scorecard when certification is desired. 

 

Fitwel has a Large Portfolio 

Project types are not limited to one scope of buildings. Project types and scorecards range from existing buildings to new construction. Single floor buildings to large-scale developments. Fitwel can be optimized for any project type. Multi-tenant building? You got it. Retail? Yup! Multifamily residential building? Duh! 

Here’s a full list: 

  • Site
  • Community 
  • Commercial Site 
  • Buildings 
  • Multi-Tenant Base Building 
  • Multi-Tenant Whole Building 
  • Single Tenant Building
  • Commercial Interior Space 
  • Retail 
  • Multifamily Residential Building 

 

The Fitwel Standard has no Prerequisites

Fitwel was created to be easy to implement. Let’s face it, not many building owners or designers want to jump through different hurdles to be certified. No prerequisites makes choosing strategies to implement easier for the user. 

 

Fitwel has a Dynamic Weighted Point system 

Fitwel uses an algorithm to determine the points system associated with each strategy. The algorithm is based on the following: 

  • The strength of the impact has in relation to the Health Impact Category 
  • Strength of evidence behind the strategy 
  • This point system also allows for refinements as scientific evidence changes over time. 

 

The Fitwel Standard Promotes Health and Safety

Categories are rated based on the level of impact they have on the occupants of the space. This comes down to material choices. Material choices can help reduce stress. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, “More than 4 in 10(45%) of adults feel that worry and stress related to COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health.” Maximizing employee trust comes down to creating a space that will lessen their worries – surfaces, acoustics, and different design elements help to instill feelings of comfort both physically and physiologically.  

 

Looking to understand the history of the standard, its impact categories, what materials contribute to the standard, and learn of some case studies? Join our Fitwel Standard webinar on August 20th at 12pm est.

Register here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpceiorzsuH9yLrTfOkPFF5JwAzNnNpSBu

 

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