The Center for Active Design (CfAD), operator of the Fitwel healthy buildings certification program, has this month announced the launch of the new Fitwel Provider and Fitwel Partner membership programs.
Fitwel is among the leading global certification systems committed to fostering healthy buildings, generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, and committed to implementing a vision for a healthier future "where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being."
Designed to provide an opportunity for organizations to align with and support the growth of Fitwel, CfAD says the newly introduced programs empower organizations to further promote health and well-being across their industries. The new membership programs will support both designated Provider and Partner companies as they drive implementation of healthy building strategies and tenant satisfaction through their use and their client's use of Fitwel.
Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. CfAD, a global not-for-profit organization, maintains the Fitwel standard and conducts objective third-party assessments that lead to certified projects.
With the new programs, Fitwel will now offer targeted support to Provider and Partner companies through exclusive marketing and recognition opportunities, dedicated training and resources for staff, and increased access to the Fitwel team. According to a press release, "The new programs represent Fitwel's commitment to the real estate service providers, consultants and solutions providers who are driving market transformation through their promotion of healthy buildings and communities."
"We are currently seeing an increased demand for Fitwel and healthy building certification, and significantly, an emphasis on prioritizing occupants' health and well-being," commented Joanna Frank, president and CEO of CfAD. "Our new Fitwel Provider and Fitwel Partner programs will help these forward-thinking companies leverage their own expertise to further implement Fitwel and guide others' use of the certification, as they raise awareness of the evidence-based healthy building strategies that ensure increased occupant and tenant satisfaction."
Fitwel Provider program notes and testimonial
The Fitwel Provider program is designed for architecture, design, engineering, property management, and consulting firms committed to supporting their clients' implementation of Fitwel protocols. Under the program, Fitwel will provide dedicated training and access to the CfAD team for marketing and product support to providers to ensure they're well-equipped to support the promotion and implementation of Fitwel, in addition to preferential pricing on certification fees, and discounted program Ambassador training.
The inaugural class of Fitwel Providers includes: global commercial real estate services company JLL; boutique ESG advisory company breea; sustainability consulting firm Brightworks; and NORESCO, a national leader in energy efficiency, resiliency and infrastructure platforms.
"The entire Fitwel program and online platform make health and wellness certification accessible and feasible for the wide range of organizations and building types that JLL works with," said Lauren Campfield, project manager, JLL.
"As a Fitwel Provider, breea is committed to helping our clients create dynamic workplaces and communities that improve personal health, happiness, productivity, and all aspects of wellness. We look forward to furthering Fitwel's mission as the program continues to grow and transform the market," said Drew Yetter, partner, breea.
"At Brightworks, our commitment to health and wellness in the built environment is an important part of our business. We look forward to furthering this work with Fitwel, the Center for Active Design, and our industry peers to create healthier places to live, work, and play," said Brandon G. Sprague, principal, Brightworks.
"NORESCO is excited to be joining the Fitwel Provider Program. The Fitwel program creates a framework that not only aligns with NORESCO's commitment to creating healthy and sustainable buildings but also our clients' commitment to their occupants' health and well-being," said Michele Hendrick, program director, NORESCO.
Fitwel Partner program notes and testimonial
The Fitwel Partner program is billed as the trademark program for companies seeking to promote aligned products and demonstrate support for Fitwel's mission. Partner companies have access to complementary Fitwel resources, marketing and training resources, and discounted program Ambassador training.
The inaugural class of Fitwel Partners includes: global sustainability consulting firm LORD Green Strategies; global climate innovator Trane Technologies; ESG strategy and implementation advisory firm HXE Partners; and building performance and solar panel expert Southern Energy Management.
"LORD Green is committed to improving health and wellness across our clients' portfolios and wants to be recognized as a leader in the sector. Becoming a Fitwel Partner distinguishes our commitment, and also aids in our pursuit via trainings and complementary resources," said Alex Herold, director of green building certifications for LORD Green Strategies.
"Indoor environments are complex and dynamic – and their quality depends on a variety of factors that can change over time. Achieving good outcomes for both the occupants and the planet require a structured engineered approach to each space that is led by science rather than rule-of-thumb. Trane Technologies is proud to be a Fitwel industry partner and is committed to indoor environmental quality strategies that give customers, tenants and employees peace of mind in the spaces where they work, live and play," said Rasha Hasaneen, vice-president of innovation and executive director at the Center for Healthy and Efficient Spaces, Trane Technologies.
"HXE Partners consider health and well-being as integral to any successful, comprehensive ESG strategy. We are proud to join the Fitwel Partner program," said Harry Etra, CEO HXE Partners. "Strategies outlined by Fitwel help HXE Partners' clients across sectors achieve their ESG goals."
"In 2021, around 30% of our partners pursued dual certification on their projects. As we continue to see a growing market for combining health and wellness with high-performance building strategies, we are excited to strengthen our involvement in this movement by becoming a Fitwel Partner," said Laurie Colwander, Director of Multifamily and Commercial Sustainability Services, Southern Energy Management.
CfAD noted that its new business unit, Adai (pronounced "a-DAY"), is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market, administering the program while providing best-in-class customer service and technical support.
