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HDR Becomes Fitwel Champion, Certifies First Office with 3 Star Rating
HDR has adopted Fitwel, a global building certification system that promotes health, and has certified its first office in Arlington, Virginia. The office, which is also LEED-platinum certified, is a two-level environment designed to promote collaboration, transparency and interconnected space. It received a 3 Star Rating, the highest possible in the Fitwel system. As a Fitwel Champion, HDR has committed to obtaining Fitwel certifications for a minimum of six of its offices. HDR will pursue Fitwel certifications for its new Boston and Seattle offices and new global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, with other locations yet to be determined
It’s important for HDR to walk the talk when it comes to designing sustainable spaces that promote health,” said Sustainability Director Michaella Wittmann. “The health and wellness of our employees is of utmost importance. This rating system is just as important to us as the Envision rating system for sustainable infrastructure and the LEED certification for sustainable buildings that we adopt for our client projects.
Bloomberg HQ in New York Receives 3 Star Fitwel Rating
Commonly known as The Bloomberg Tower, 731 Lexington Avenue is managed by Vornado Realty Trust. The building’s Fitwel designation is the first to be pursued jointly by a landlord and tenant, reflecting the commitment of both parties to creating forward-looking workplaces that enhance employee health, safety, and well-being. 731 Lexington Avenue is the first non-governmental, single-tenant property to be 3 star certified. The building joins thirteen others with a Fitwel 3 Star Rating.
Bloomberg’s 900,000 square foot office aligns well with Fitwel Strategies. For example, access to daylight and exterior views for the majority of workspaces is found to improve workplace performance and employee satisfaction. Bloomberg fosters healthy lifestyles for employees through provision of healthy food offerings, and access to community supported agriculture (CSA) deliveries during the local growing season.
Beth Mazzeo, Chief Operating Officer at Bloomberg, said: Bloomberg is proud to offer its employees a work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration with each other and promotes health and well-being. These aspects are ingrained in our company culture and we have long designed our offices around them. The 3-Star Fitwel Rating for our New York headquarters underscores our commitment to provide a building environment that is safe, increases physical activity and in turn increases employee motivation.