What is Fitwel Certification?

Fitwel is a building certification system focused on enhancing occupant health and well-being through evidence-based design and operational strategies. Developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), and now operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD), Fitwel evaluates buildings across various categories to assess their impact on occupant health. 

Benefits of Fitwel Certification
  • Higher Property Value: Fitwel-certified buildings attract tenants and investors by prioritizing health, wellness, and sustainability, boosting market appeal. 
  • Risk Reduction & Compliance: Health-focused strategies lower safety risks, improve occupant satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and align with evolving regulations. 
  • Better Well-Being & Productivity: Features like improved air quality, natural light, and ergonomic design enhance comfort, morale, and workplace performance.
  • Greater Efficiency & Sustainability: Optimized ventilation, lighting, and space planning reduce operational costs while supporting eco-friendly practices.
  • Data-Driven Improvement: Fitwel provides tracking tools for health performance, helping owners refine spaces, meet ESG goals, and improve occupant experience.
Fitwell Certification Process

The Fitwel Certification process can take 12 weeks and includes 6-steps to complete: 

Step 1: Register the project by creating a company account and entering the necessary information in the Fitwel portal. 

Step 2: The company shall evaluate and determine which Scorecard element suits its project or building establishment and how well it qualifies to each Fitwel strategy.

Step 3: Archive the answers to the Fitwel strategies to compare project improvement over time. 

Step 4: Submit all the necessary documents showing how the project complies with the Fitwel strategies. 

Step 5: Within 12 weeks, the Fitwel certification team will review the project and provide comments for the project owner to address. 

Step 6: The certification team will score the project according to the above rating process. The Fitwel certification lasts for three years once it has been issued. The project may be filed for recertification for a discounted price if submitted within three years starting from the initial certification date. 

Based on the score, buildings receive a star rating:

  • 90 to 104 points: One star
  • 105 to 124 points: Two stars
  • 125 to 144 points: Three stars
What Happens If You Fail Fitwel Certification? The Remediation Process

Failing to achieve Fitwel Certification doesn’t mean the end—it means there are areas for improvement. The remediation process allows projects to address deficiencies and reapply for certification.

Steps to Remediate and Improve Your Fitwel Score

  1. Review the Score & Identify Gaps
    • Fitwel provides feedback on areas where the project fell short, such as ventilation, air quality, access to wellness amenities, or policy implementation.
  2. Make Necessary Upgrades
    • Implement changes like improving HVAC systems, increasing natural light, adding health-focused building features, or adjusting workplace policies.
  3. Resubmit Documentation
    • After improvements, submit updated evidence for review. Fitwel’s verification team reassesses the project based on the implemented changes.
  4. Final Evaluation & Certification
    • Once verified, the project receives an updated score, potentially achieving 1, 2, or 3-star certification.
  5. Ongoing Monitoring & Optimization

    • Even after certification, maintaining Fitwel standards through continuous air quality monitoring, occupant feedback, and operational adjustments ensures long-term success.
What is the most significant factor in Fitwel Certification?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation are central to Fitwel Certification, as they directly influence occupant health, comfort, and productivity. Poor air circulation can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, and lower cognitive function, making effective ventilation a key priority.

Why IAQ & Ventilation Matter

Cleaner, Healthier Air: Fitwel promotes high-efficiency filtration (e.g., MERV 13+ filters) and fresh air intake to reduce pollutants, allergens, and airborne pathogens.

Optimized Ventilation: Strategies like demand-controlled ventilation and operable windows help regulate oxygen levels, humidity, and airflow.

Boosted Health & Performance: Better air quality leads to fewer sick days, improved concentration, and enhanced workplace satisfaction.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: Fitwel encourages HVAC systems that enhance IAQ while minimizing energy use and environmental impact

How to Achieve Fitwel Certification with uHoo Aura

uHoo Aura, an advanced indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring system, can help buildings meet Fitwel Certification requirements by providing real-time data, actionable insights, and automation to improve air quality and ventilation.

Steps to Leverage uHoo Aura for Fitwel Certification

Monitor Key IAQ Metrics

Fitwel emphasizes clean indoor air. uHoo Aura tracks pollutants like PM2.5, CO₂, VOCs, humidity, and temperature to ensure compliance with IAQ standards.

Optimize Ventilation & Filtration

Use uHoo Aura’s data to adjust HVAC settings, increase fresh air intake, and maintain proper humidity levels, all of which align with Fitwel’s ventilation strategies.

Automate IAQ Improvements

Integrate uHoo Aura with smart building systems to automate responses, such as activating air purifiers or adjusting ventilation based on real-time conditions.

Track & Report IAQ Performance

Fitwel requires data-backed improvements. uHoo Aura generates reports, helping building managers demonstrate compliance and continuously enhance air quality.

Enhance Occupant Health & Comfort

By maintaining optimal IAQ levels, uHoo Aura supports Fitwel’s goal of promoting occupant well-being, reducing sick days, and boosting productivity.

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