Understanding Fitwel’s Seven Health Impact Categories

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Written By Guest User

Fitwel addresses health as an interconnected system, with no single dominant category or area of focus, and as such, all validated strategies are voluntary, with no individual prerequisites. With that in mind, here are the seven main health categories that Fitwel evaluates when certifying healthy building projects.

Fitwel Health Impact Categories

 

Two individuals caringly tend to the plants of an elaborately designed greenwall.

1. Impacts Surrounding Community Health

Community health is a medical specialty focusing on the mental and physical well-being of the residents of a certain geographic area. This key area of public health consists of programs to assist community members in maintaining and enhancing their health, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and preparing for natural disasters.

According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working at the community level fosters healthy living, provides the greatest health benefits to the highest number of people who need it, and aids in the prevention of chronic diseases. Additionally, communities that pay attention to public health can decrease inequality among their residents. According to a follow-up CDC report, community health also contributes to closing health gaps brought on by variations in location, ethnicity, social status, income, and other factors that can affect health.

Strategies that impact surrounding community health, effectively broadening the impact of development projects past the health of on-site occupants—reaching those who live, work, play, or learn in the neighboring areas—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

Four office workers sit side-by-side at a row of work tables positioned against floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a sweeping view of the city.

2. Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism

In the past ten years, sickness absenteeism has gained considerable public health attention and is now recognized as a key factor in employee productivity and the overall progress of a country. Sickness absenteeism is the absence of employees from work due to illness, incapacity, or other reasons. The effects of this behavior go well beyond the level of the individual or the institution as aggregate reports of absenteeism and productivity loss have revealed pronounced impacts on the national economy.

7.8 million U.S. employees missed work in January 2022 as a result of illness, injuries, or medical conditions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statisics. Work disruptions resulted in decreased productivity and a cost of $36.4 billion for employers, per year. The impact of absenteeism is felt directly by individuals, teams, and the organization as a whole, putting pressure on productivity and profitability.

Strategies that reduce morbidity and absenteeism, thereby promoting decreased rates of chronic disease and mental health conditions—e.g., a healthy office with reductions in disease transmission and fewer missed days of work—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

3. Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations 

Social equity refers to fairness, impartiality, and justice for everyone in social policy. Social equity examines systemic inequalities to ensure that all people in a community have access to the same outcomes and opportunities.  

A range of exclusionary practices and obstacles prevent some people and groups from using and accessing health and social services, engaging in economic activity, and participating in policy matters. Such practices have long been driven by biases along gender, indigenous origins, race, caste, ethnicity, religion, and disabilities, including diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Strategies that support social equity for vulnerable populations, including children, elderly, disabled, or socio-economically disadvantaged persons—e.g., increasing access to health-promoting opportunities through universal accessibility, pricing incentives for healthier food options, targeted health-promoting amenities, and enhanced access to public transportation—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

A cultural presentation takes place in the lobby of this Fitwel Certified building. Image provided by Fitwel Champion QuadReal.

4. Instills Feelings of Well-Being 

A feeling of health and vitality that originates from your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences is referred to as well-being. When we are in a state of well-being, we usually feel happy, socially connected, healthy, and purposeful. An individual’s sense of well-being is essential to their general health since it enables them to overcome obstacles, reach their life goals, and carry out daily tasks successfully. 

According to experts, people who are emotionally healthy experience fewer negative emotions and recover from setbacks more quickly. This trait is referred to as resilience. Being able to cherish the good occasions and hold onto positive feelings longer is another indication of emotional well-being.

Strategies that instill feelings of well-being and promote inclusion, relaxation, and perceptions of safety—e.g., rejuvenating and clean spaces, an enhanced connection to nature, and opportunities for social engagement—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

5. Enhances Access to Healthy Food

A nutritious and balanced meal plan enhances or maintains general health, providing the right amount of fluid, macronutrients like protein, micronutrients like vitamins, and fiber. When faced with limitations in healthy food options, individuals tend to settle for foods that are higher in calories and poorer in nutritional content. Poor diets can cause chronic conditions like heart disease, type two diabetes, and obesity, as reported by the CDC. According to the same report, chronic diseases cause 70% of all fatalities in the US each year. 

Obesity in children and families can be prevented and reduced by improving access to nutritious, inexpensive foods. Yet, many families lack access to affordable, healthy food options in their local areas. 

Healthy food access is a basic human right. In relation to an acceptable standard of living for health and wellness, the term “food adequacy” refers to the quantity and quality of food. As such, having access to quality food is a right that gives a person the capacity to function well and engage in social activities.

Strategies that enhance access to healthy foods provide occupants with expanded availability to fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious food options—e.g., diversifying outlets and sources of food, promoting healthier choices, and reducing the cost of healthier options through pricing incentives—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

6. Promotes Occupant Safety 

A network of interconnected transportation and safety infrastructure is integral to promoting occupant safety. Systematic strategies enable bicycling or walking as a feasible mode of transportation, protect bicyclists and pedestrians from vehicular traffic, and increase stair safety. 

According to a study by the World Health Organization, more than half of all traffic-related fatalities happen to vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased by 46% in the US, mostly as a result of the growth of fast arterial roads in urban and suburban regions.

Promoting occupant safety can improve health by making it easier for people to commute by bicycle and on foot, thereby increasing opportunities for physical activity. 

Strategies that promote occupant safety—e.g., decreasing the risk of crime and injury, protecting bicyclists and pedestrians from vehicular traffic, and increasing stair safety—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

 

Corner view of a campus recreational area and trail, bordered by two modern buildings. Image provided by Fitwel Champion Tishman Speyer.

7. Increases Physical Activity

Physical activity—any voluntary skeletal muscle-driven movement involving energy expenditure—and unplanned activities are essential to maintaining overall health and should be incorporated into everyday routines. Not merely to burn calories and reduce weight, physical activity helps your body work properly and lengthens your life.

Physical activity has health benefits for everyone irrespective of age, ethnicity, ability, shape, or size. The CDC estimates that increasing physical activity among 27 million Americans will double the Healthy People 2020 goal and lower the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases.

Physical activity, according to the CDC, can strengthen your bones and muscles, lower your risk of disease, help you control your weight, enhance your ability to carry out daily tasks and improve your cognitive health.

Strategies that increase physical activity and incorporate opportunities for movement into everyday life—e.g., encouraging active transportation, promoting stair use, or expanding access to indoor and outdoor fitness areas and equipment—will be scored highly in this health impact category.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can excel in Fitwel’s health impact categories, download additional tips and tools from our suite of online resources.

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