Fitwel Certification System
Photo Credit Adobe Stock CfAD's flagship program is Fitwel, a leading global health certification system that sets the standard for building and workplace design that supports human health. The Center for Active Design serves as the sole third-party certifier for projects seeking recognition for their alignment with the Fitwel Standard.
Fitwel is grounded in a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, offering a user-friendly digital platform that guides real estate professionals in optimizing their buildings for occupant health.
The Fitwel standard is used by organizations worldwide to enhance workplace wellness, improve productivity, and create environments that promote healthier living. With Fitwel, CfAD is at the forefront of the movement to redefine the role of the built environment in public health.
Since its inception, Fitwel has made significant strides in advancing the role of design in promoting health and well-being. The standard has reached over 844 companies, 65 countries, influencing the design of more than 1.3 billion square feet of real estate. We are committed to continuing our mission of creating healthier, more active communities by driving innovation, providing leadership, and fostering collaborations across sectors.
Below we outline the primary steps of the Fitwel certification process:
Step One: Register a project by navigating to the Fitwel Platform, creating a company account and underlying portfolios to organize projects. As you register a project, you will provide essential project information. For more tips on getting started, please refer to our Fitwel Portal Guide, attached.
Step Two: Advance through the Fitwel process, by choosing the appropriate Fitwel pathway (new construction or existing building) and associated Scorecard, and assessing how your project measures up against each of the Fitwel Strategies. If you need assistance with this part of the process, Fitwel’s Submission Workbook was developed to help provide helpful guidance.
Step Three: Use Fitwel’s Assessment feature to better understand how your project scores against the Fitwel standard. Assessment allows users to forecast potential score outcomes and is a useful tool to gauge areas of potential opportunity within a project.
Step Four: Upload required documentation to show how you’re complying with the selected Fitwel Strategies. Companies applying Fitwel at scale may upload documentation applicable throughout a portfolio all at once, rather than on a project-by-project basis.
Step Five: In 12 to 16 weeks, Fitwel’s Certification Team reviews a project, and sends comments for the project team’s review and response. Fitwel Champions and Ambassadors are eligible for expedited certification review timelines of as little as 12 weeks. Champions and Ambassadors are leading companies and individuals committed to Fitwel’s mission of building health for all®. Fitwel’s Certification Team designates the project with a numerical score and associated Star Rating. Asset certification is valid for 3 years, while FSP certification must be renewed annually.
Step Six: Your project can maintain its Fitwel status without lapse by initiating recertification at any point within three years from the initial certification award, and by submitting for recertification within one year of the expiration date. Recertification can be initiated at any time following the initial certification. Download the Platform Guide to learn how to start your project's recertification process.
Photo Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki