Fitwel
A scorecard-based certification for buildings that support occupant health.
Quick Answer
Fitwel is a building certification system that helps owners and operators create workplaces, residences, and other spaces that support occupant health. Projects complete a scorecard of evidence-based strategies, and earn a one-, two-, or three-star rating. The program was developed with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the General Services Administration.
The Full Picture
Fitwel originated from research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), with the Center for Active Design later operating it. It is now associated with the Center for Building Health Equity. Its aim is to give owners a practical way to address health in the built environment.
The system is organized around a scorecard covering topics such as location, building access, outdoor spaces, entrances and ground floors, stairs, indoor environment, workspaces, shared spaces, water supply, cafeterias and vending, and emergency procedures. Strategies earn points, and total points determine a one-, two-, or three-star certification.
Compared with performance-tested systems, Fitwel is generally positioned as a more accessible, lower-barrier route, and it can be applied to both new and existing buildings. Project types and scorecards vary, so teams should check the current Fitwel documentation for the applicable versions.
Fitwel is often used alongside other programs. An owner might pursue LEED or WELL for broader goals while using Fitwel for portfolio-wide health benchmarking. For builders, the main implications are product, space, and signage decisions that the design team specified to earn points.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: Fitwel and WELL are the same thing.
Actually: They are separate programs with different administrators, scoring structures, and verification approaches. Both focus on occupant health.
People assume: Fitwel only applies to new construction.
Actually: It is designed for both new and existing buildings, including certification at the portfolio level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Fitwel?
It was developed through work by the CDC and GSA, and it is operated by the Center for Active Design, now part of the Center for Building Health Equity.
How is Fitwel rated?
Projects earn points on a scorecard and receive a one-, two-, or three-star certification.
What building types can use Fitwel?
It covers a range of types, including workplaces and multifamily residential, with scorecards tailored to each. Check the current Fitwel documentation for details.
Is Fitwel a code requirement?
No. It is a voluntary certification that owners choose to pursue.
How does Fitwel compare to WELL?
Both address occupant health, but they differ in structure, rigor, and verification. Owners often choose based on budget, goals, and portfolio needs.