Fitwel vs. WELL: Healthier Building Design Comparison

Building design significantly impacts occupant health and well-being, making the evaluation of building standards essential. Two prominent systems in this domain are Fitwel and WELL, both aiming to enhance quality of life through improved environmental factors within structures. These certifications serve as benchmarks for healthier spaces that prioritize human-centric design principles.

Understanding how Fitwel and WELL compare regarding their objectives, processes, and criteria is important for stakeholders aiming to implement effective wellness strategies. This comparison highlights key differences and similarities between the two systems, providing insights into choosing an appropriate standard for various project needs.

Key Objectives of Fitwel

Fitwel is a building certification system that enhances 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), it is grounded in public health research. Fitwel is versatile, applicable to a wide range of building types, from commercial offices to residential complexes.

A primary objective of Fitwel is to promote physical activity within the built environment. This is achieved by incorporating features such as accessible staircases and amenities like bike storage and walking paths, fostering an active lifestyle. Fitwel also emphasizes mental health and social equity by advocating for design elements that enhance natural light, reduce noise pollution, and improve air quality. The system encourages inclusive design practices, ensuring spaces are welcoming and accessible to all individuals, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status.

Key Objectives of WELL

The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system focused on advancing human health and well-being through design interventions and operational policies. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute, WELL is grounded in medical and scientific research, creating environments that actively contribute to occupant wellness.

Central to WELL’s objectives is enhancing indoor environmental quality, including optimizing air and water quality, ensuring comfortable lighting, and controlling acoustics. WELL encourages advanced HVAC systems and natural ventilation to maintain high indoor air quality. The WELL Standard also emphasizes nutrition by promoting access to healthy food options and designing spaces that facilitate mindful eating, integrating wellness into daily life.

Certification Process

Achieving Fitwel or WELL certification begins with understanding the respective standards’ criteria and aligning them with project goals. Both systems require an initial assessment of the building’s features and operations to identify areas for improvement. This evaluation sets the stage for strategic planning and implementation of measures that align with certification objectives.

Project teams engage in a collaborative process involving architects, designers, facility managers, and health consultants. This interdisciplinary approach ensures all aspects of health and wellness are considered, from air quality and lighting to ergonomic design and community engagement. Continuous monitoring and documentation are essential throughout the implementation phase. Both Fitwel and WELL require detailed documentation to support claims of health-promoting features and practices, with third-party verification sometimes necessary.

Scoring and Rating Systems

Fitwel employs a straightforward, point-based system where projects earn points across various health-centric categories. Each element, such as access to natural light or fitness facilities, contributes to the overall score, allowing teams to prioritize interventions that align with their specific goals and resources.

WELL operates with a more nuanced scoring system, evaluating projects across ten core concepts, including air, water, nourishment, and mind. WELL’s system involves on-site performance testing and post-occupancy evaluations to ensure spaces continue to support occupant health over time, encouraging continuous improvement and adaptation.

Health and Wellness Focus Areas

Both Fitwel and WELL certifications emphasize creating environments conducive to health, yet they approach this through different lenses. Fitwel focuses on promoting physical activity and mental well-being through design and operational enhancements. By integrating features that encourage movement and prioritizing mental health through natural light and reduced noise levels, Fitwel aims to incorporate wellness into daily life. Social equity ensures all individuals benefit equally from healthy environments.

WELL divides its focus into broader categories encompassing various aspects of health and lifestyle, from air quality and water purity to nourishment and fitness. Its emphasis on mental health includes strategies supporting cognitive and emotional well-being, such as stress management programs and biophilic design elements. WELL also encourages community integration, fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging among occupants.

Integration with Design and Operations

Integrating Fitwel and WELL standards into building design and operations requires aligning with each certification system’s objectives. For Fitwel, integration begins with incorporating health-promoting features into architectural design, such as layouts encouraging movement and social interaction. Operational strategies focus on maintenance practices that sustain health benefits over time.

WELL requires a dynamic integration process extending beyond physical attributes. WELL-certified spaces implement policies supporting health and wellness, such as indoor air quality monitoring and programs promoting occupant well-being. Ongoing evaluation and adjustment are crucial, allowing spaces to adapt and improve in response to occupant feedback and evolving health research.