On June 4, 2024, Fitwel, a leading global healthy building certification, released Version 3 (“v3”) of its standard. This update strives to incorporate the latest public health research to optimize real estate assets for health and quality of life, future-proof them for climate adaptation, and maximize real estate value.
Overall, the Fitwel standard is guided by seven health impact categories:
- Impacts Surrounding Community Health
- Reduces Morbidity and Absenteeism
- Supports Social Equity for Vulnerable Populations
- Instills Feelings of Well-Being
- Enhances Access to Healthy Foods
- Promotes Occupant Safety
The new v3 Fitwel standard has the following changes related to lighting in the Commercial Interior Space Scorecard (single tenant):
Outdoor Lighting – Now includes contents from former strategy “Safe Entry and Exit Lighting.” Removed NA pathway and added building entrances as a required area of illumination. Added requirement that lighting must be pedestrian scaled and minimize glare.
Natural Daylight – Added additional pathways using simulations and window VLT levels.
Light Pollution Mitigation – Limiting glare and light trespass from artificial light at
night by implementing interventions such as light shields and automated timers helps preserve biodiversity and regulate circadian rhythm of those in the surrounding area, contributing to improved sleep quality, a strengthened immune system, lower stress levels, and decreased risk of cancers.
Optimal Lighting – A layered, flexible, and low-flicker artificial lighting setup that can adjust to individual occupant needs and day-to- day weather conditions reduces the risk of developing eye strain and migraines, and helps regulate circadian rhythm, which has strong positive effects on mood, sleep, and the immune system.
More information on Fitwel and the Fitwel Standard v3 are available here.
Image: Fitwel.org
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