INTRODUCING FITWEL

AN EMPHASIS ON WELLNESS

INTRODUCING

Fitwel is a building certification system that supports healthier living and working environments to improve occupant wellness and productivity. The Fitwel Certification System offers 50+ evidence-based design and operational strategies to optimize the health promoting impact of the built environment.

Fitwel is operated by the Center for Active Design, a nonprofit focused on health in the built environment, founded by Michael Bloomberg in 2012. CfAD was selected by the Federal government to be the licensed operator of Fitwel, leading future development and use within the private and public sectors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel.

In September 2020, NOVEL Atherton by Crescent Communities became the first multifamily community in the state of North Carolina to achieve Fitwel Certification, signaling to employees, residents, investors, and others that Crescent Communities puts people first and prioritizes wellness within the design, development, and operations of buildings.

Crescent Communities is now a Fitwel Champion and is committed to certifying 6 communities within the coming year at minimum. Two commercial communities, Escent Research Park and Elizabeth on Seventh, are currently pursuing Fitwel Certification, and several multifamily communities across the development footprint are under evaluation.

LOCATION

Optimizing transit access and walkways to support greater opportunities for physical activity, social equity and foster positive impacts on community health.

BUILDING ACCESS

Offering support for carpools, bikes, and pedestrians to support multi-modal access to buildings and opportunities for regular physical activity.

OUTDOOR SPACES

Creating provisions and policies for outdoor amenities, such as walking trails and smoke-free spaces to support mental and physical health.

ENTRANCE & GROUND FLOOR

Building entryway systems and appropriate lighting to promote improved air quality and access to healthpromoting amenities

STAIRWELLS

Developing accessible, visible, and well-designed stairwells to present a convenient way for building occupants to add physical activity to their day.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

Implementing smokefree building policies and providing an asbestosfree interior to limit prolonged exposure to harmful airborne substances and pollutants in indoor environments.

THE SIX STRATEGY AREAS (ABOVE) SUPPORT SEVEN HEALTH IMPACT CATEGORIES:

1Impacts Surrounding Community Health 2 Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism 3 Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations 4 Instills Feelings of Well-Being 5 Enhances Access to Healthy Foods 6 Promotes Occupant Safety 7 Increases Physical Activity