Fitwel Ambassador flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Fitwel operator

Fitwel is operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD), a nonprofit. It is a health and wellbeing certification system for buildings and communities, independent of LEED/USGBC.

Building certification pathway

The Fitwel pathway for whole buildings or single-tenant spaces, scored against the building scorecard with star ratings based on total points after required strategies are met.

Community certification pathway

The Fitwel pathway for neighborhoods and sites, using a separate community scorecard with its own strategies, point thresholds, and star ratings distinct from building certification.

Fitwel v2.1

The established building scorecard version with 12 strategy categories and star thresholds; project teams confirm the version active at registration before scoring.

Fitwel v3

A newer Fitwel version with updated scorecards and resources, including expanded equity and resilience strategies; thresholds and strategy sets may differ from v2.1.

Required strategy

A strategy that must be satisfied for certification regardless of total points; failing a required strategy blocks certification even if point thresholds are met.

Fitwel Ambassador

An individual credential earned by completing Ambassador training and passing an exam; it signals knowledge of Fitwel but is separate from project certification.

Fitwel portal

The online system used to register projects, select scorecards, assign strategies, upload documentation, submit for review, and receive certification decisions.

Stairwell promotion

An evidence-based strategy using visibility, lighting, signage, art, and point-of-decision prompts to increase stair use and physical activity in buildings.

Active design

Design that supports physical activity through proximity to transit, sidewalks, bike lanes, bike storage, and showers, encouraging walking, cycling, and transit use.

Outdoor space strategy

Fitwel strategies rewarding on-site outdoor space, gardens, and views of nature, linked to stress reduction, mental restoration, and increased physical activity.

Indoor air quality

Strategies addressing ventilation, filtration, low-VOC materials, tobacco smoke control, and construction protocols to reduce occupant exposure to indoor pollutants.

Healthy food access

Strategies promoting healthy vending, cafeteria options, water access, and food retail, with nutritional standards and point-of-decision prompts to improve diet quality.

Thermal comfort

A comfort strategy involving individual thermal control and HVAC design, associated with occupant satisfaction, comfort, and productivity in certified buildings.

Daylight and glare control

Lighting strategies that provide daylight access while controlling glare, linked to occupant comfort, satisfaction, and visual performance.

Acoustic performance

Strategies addressing sound isolation and noise control, associated with reduced distraction, improved comfort, and better productivity for occupants.

Social connection

Design and operational strategies such as shared spaces and biophilic elements that support mental health, social interaction, and community among occupants.

Health equity lens

A cross-cutting Fitwel consideration of accessibility, affordability, community engagement, and vulnerable populations, emphasized in v3 and community scorecards.

Fitwel evidence base

Each Fitwel strategy cites peer-reviewed public health and design research and is reviewed by the Fitwel Scientific Advisory Board to support its health rationale.

Emergency preparedness

A strategy category addressing planning and design for emergencies, supporting occupant safety, resilience, and business continuity in certified buildings.

Building star thresholds

In Fitwel v2.1 building certification, 1 Star requires at least 90 points, 2 Stars at least 110, and 3 Stars at least 130, after required strategies are met.

Point cap per strategy

Each Fitwel strategy has a maximum point value; total project points are the sum of awarded strategy points, capped per strategy, determining the star rating.

Documentation requirements

Each strategy specifies acceptable evidence such as narratives, policies, floor plans, photographs, or third-party reports; reviewers may request clarifications before awarding points.

Scoring workflow

Register in the portal, select scorecard and version, assign strategies, upload documentation, submit for review, respond to comments, and receive the certification decision.

Version selection

Project teams must use the Fitwel scorecard version active at registration; v2.1 and v3 differ in strategies, thresholds, and resources, so confirm before scoring.

Fitwel Reference Guide

The core resource defining each strategy's intent, evidence, point value, and documentation requirements; used with scorecard checklists and the online portal.

Recertification

Fitwel certification is time-limited; projects must recertify periodically, often every three years, by demonstrating continued compliance and updating documentation.

Community scoring thresholds

Community scorecards have their own point thresholds and star ratings, separate from building thresholds; building star thresholds must not be applied to community projects.

Health outcomes

Fitwel strategies target physical activity, air quality, healthy food access, mental health, and safety, aiming to support measurable occupant health behaviors and exposures.

Equity outcomes

Fitwel addresses accessibility, affordability, community engagement, and vulnerable populations, with health equity emphasized in v3 and community scorecards.

Real estate value

Health-certified buildings can command rent premiums, attract tenants, improve satisfaction and retention, and reduce absenteeism, linking health strategies to financial performance.

ESG and tenant demand

ESG reporting, wellness-focused tenants, and corporate health goals drive demand for third-party health certification such as Fitwel in real estate markets.