Developed as a joint initiative of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the General Services Administration, and administered by the non-profit CfAD, Fitwel addresses seven health impact categories: community health, morbidity, social equity for vulnerable populations, feelings of well-being, physical activity, occupant safety, and healthy food options. The residential standard comprises 59 design and operational strategies known to improve outcomes in one or more of these categories, with points allocated to each strategy according to a CDC-developed algorithm that weighs two vectors: the strength of the evidence supporting the strategy’s health impact, and the strength of the impact itself. Activity (indoors and out), healthy food choices, and indoor air quality account for the majority of strategies.

Fitwel for multifamily is applicable to new and existing market-rate, affordable, and senior-specific residential developments, and CfAD reports that the Center is already fielding significant interest from developers. AvalonBay Communities, a real estate investment trust that owns some 75,000 apartment units on both coasts, is the first residential-only developer to commit to implementing Fitwel across its portfolio. “Our purpose is to create a better way to live for our residents,” says Mark Delisi, Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility at AvalonBay, “and we know that innovation in residential wellbeing and partnering with Fitwel will certainly improve the health and wellbeing of our residents."