BREEAM USA and Fitwel
In November 2017, BREEAM USA and Fitwel announced their alignment to promote health and environmental outcomes. The two leading science-based building rating systems are to find common ground for users to apply for dual certifications, providing benefits for buildings and occupants.
The Center for Active Design (CfAD) and BRE America have announced a crosswalk between the Fitwel Certification System and the BREEAM USA In-Use standard, developing a straightforward and cost-efficient process for projects pursuing both certifications.
Under the agreement, the organisations have mutually identified specific documented credits that will be recognized by both organisations, saving project teams the time and costs associated with developing certification documentation twice.
Named one of Fast Company’s 2017 Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Social Good, Fitwel is the premiere global health certification system for optimising building design and operations.
Both BREEAM and Fitwel are evidence-based systems and are continuously strengthened based on evolving research. Working in tandem, projects certifying with both systems can help combat climate change and the human health impacts associated with global warming. Certification in both systems is achieved through the submission of project documentation with post-occupancy performance verification for Fitwel and on-site assessments by BREEAM USA.
Fitwel and BREEAM have user-friendly digital tools and both programs can be used in all commercial existing buildings regardless of the size, age or condition. Additionally, while the systems were created for initial use in existing buildings, Fitwel and BREEAM can also be applied to new construction projects. No prerequisites are required for either certification, which allows for an uncomplicated and affordable process and gives existing buildings the tools needed to strive towards a lower carbon footprint with much healthier occupants.
Barry Giles, CEO of BREEAM USA, said:
“As the very first green building rating system, BREEAM was built on and is continually updated based on science. Fitwel, recently developed by U.S. CDC is also based on science – which makes these complimentary programs 'fit well' together as standards. We are excited to join forces with Fitwel as BREEAM In-Use focuses on the whole existing building and Fitwel adds value with positive outcomes on the health and well-being of the people in them. We are a perfect fit together.”
The Fitwel certification system was created over a five-year period as a joint initiative led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration, with its ongoing operations and development led by the CfAD. After just launching to the private sector in March 2017, Fitwel already has a global imprint, impacting more than 250,000 building occupants with over 380 registered and certified projects.
Fitwel provides 63 cost effective design and operational strategies for enhancing building environments to improve occupant health and productivity, such as dedicated lactation rooms, accessible stairways, and pest management plans.
Each Fitwel strategy is linked to one of seven health impact categories: (1) community health impact; (2) absenteeism reduction; (3) wellbeing promotion; (4) healthy food options; (5) increased physical activity; (6) occupant safety; and (7) social equity for vulnerable populations.
Joanna Frank, President & CEO of CfAD, said:
“CfAD’s partnership with BREEAM signals to the industry that based on science, buildings can be optimised to promote both health and environmental sustainability outcomes in an efficient yet effective manner. We are delighted to join with BREEAM In-Use to further combat the negative health impacts of climate change.”
A briefing paper describing the crosswalk can be found here.
This article was originally published here on 9 Nov 2017 by BRE Buzz. It was written by Simon Guy.
--BRE Buzz
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Global and The Center for Active Design expand partnership.
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM in Russia.
- BREEAM USA.
- BREEAM USA In-Use: Residential Plus.
- BREEAM USA In-Use Version 6.
- Building Back Better: Health.
- Closing the gap between design and as-built performance.
- Iran - market potential for BREEAM.
- Taking action on climate change.
- WELL and BREEAM align.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.