The impact that buildings have on people's health and well-being is an increasingly important issue for the industry. It is a fact that the quality of the indoor environment influences the health of the occupants. An example of this are offices equipped to promote the well-being of employees, where productivity increases. Because of this, two important certification systems have emerged: the WELL Building Standard and Fitwel.
The certification WELL was created by Delos and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in 2014. The IWBI manages the system and after the projects submit their documentation, the Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) reviews the materials to verify that the respective requirements are met.
In the case of Fitwel, was created jointly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. General Services Administration and the Center for Active Design in 2017. The Center for Active Design is responsible for managing this system.
While Fitwel does not require a site visit to verify requirements or performance tests (all evaluation is performed through an online portal), WELL does require that an approved evaluator come to the site to carry out a visual inspection of the building's features, verify the documentation submitted in the application and perform performance tests.
Fitwel has no prerequisites, providing greater flexibility to users. In addition, its implementation and documentation are less complex. In contrast, WELL has 24 preconditions distributed in its 10 conceptual areas, its requirements are similar to those of LEED and are somewhat more demanding, with a greater documentary load.
Both certifications indicate that they are suitable for new construction projects and existing buildings. However, WELL focuses on incorporating specific design and construction features, while FITWEL focuses on general and practical strategies that can be flexibly implemented in a variety of existing buildings.
Both WELL and FITWEL address the need for healthier buildings by implementing standards and strategies specifically designed to improve the health and well-being of occupants.
Fitwel, like Well, has international applicability, meaning that it is available and used worldwide.
Both programs offer three levels of certification: Silver, Gold and Platinum in the case of WELL; and 1, 2 or 3 stars in Fitwel.
Both WELL and Fitwel projects can score a significant number of points when monitoring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Both systems must be renewed through a recertification process every three years.
If you are interested in accessing the WELL or FITWEL certification contact us
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