v3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will v3 go live?

v3 is scheduled to go live on December 15, 2023.

We regularly evolve the Fitwel Standard to ensure it reflects the most recent research and evidence, is responsive to input and insights from our users, and is optimized for resiliency, impact, and value. The latest version, Fitwel v2.1 includes clarified strategy language, expanded pathways for compliance, and various strategy requirement updates. Since its launch in 2018, Fitwel v2.1 has proven to be scalable, globally relevant, adaptable to various asset classes and types, and reflective of market demand. 

What Are The Key Improvements That Will Be Included as Part of v3?

The new version reflects the latest research and evidence linking health and the built environment and gives users every opportunity to design and operate their assets to promote people’s health, and in turn, maximize value.

Here are some highlights:

• New Evidence-based Strategies: New health-promoting strategies based on an expanded evidence base
• Streamlined Documentation Process: Streamlined and more efficient documentation process to improve project submissions.
• Clarified Language and Guidance: Content alignment and clarity to guide project teams on strategy compliance and documentation.
• Streamlined Process for Portfolio-Wide Implementation: Strategy alignment across scorecards allows users to streamline strategy implementation across their portfolio.
• Expanded Applicability: Improved scorecard solutions for multi-tenant buildings that expand and optimize the impact of Fitwel’s health-promoting strategies.
• New Tech Enhancements and Features: Expanded access to the digital platform, enhancements to client response functions, and opportunities for performance assessments.

Will v3 Have a Pathway for Every Project Type?

The most common project typologies can be found within the updated v3 Asset Applicability Matrix, which will be shared in the v3 Preview area of the Fitwel Help Center once available. This resource helps Fitwel users determine which certification pathway and scorecard product is applicable for a project.

When will v2.1 become unavailable to new projects?

How Does v3 Affect My Project(s)? 

If you’re actively working on a registered v2.1 project, you may continue to certify your project under v2.1! The launch of v3 will not affect registered v2.1 projects that pay for certification before the end of the year or initiate recertification prior to the launch of v3; however, all new projects registered after the v3 launch will need to register and certify under the new version. We have outlined more specific scenarios below.

How Does v3 Impact My Registered v2.0 and v2.1 Project Timelines? 

• v2.0 Projects: Registered v2.0 projects that have not yet submitted for certification must initiate certification prior to the release of v3 and submit projects for certification within one year from the release date of v3 to remain on v2.0 or will be automatically upgraded to v3. We will send regular reminders to project teams throughout the remainder of the year. *Please note that v2.0 is no longer available for registration for new projects and v2.0 will no longer be supported for certification one year after the release of v3.

• v2.1 Projects: Projects that are registered on v2.1 prior to the launch of v3 have until the end of the year to initiate payment for certification to remain on v2.1 or they will be automatically upgraded to v3. Project teams that have paid for v2.1 registration prior to the launch of v3 and initiate payment for certification by the end of the year must submit projects for certification within 3 years of the release date of v3 to remain on v2.1. 

How Does v3 Impact Recertification Timelines?

• v2.0 Projects: Certified v2.0 projects seeking recertification must register for recertification prior to the launch of v3 to recertify on v2.1; projects initiating recertification after the launch of v3 will automatically be registered on the latest version available. All projects recertifying from v2.0 to v2.1 may take advantage of a reduced review timeline and receive their certification within 10 weeks from the project submission date. *All projects recertifying from v2.0 to v2.1 may take advantage of a reduced review timeline and receive their certification within 10 weeks from the project submission date.

• v2.1 Built Pathway: Certified v2.1 projects seeking recertification must register for and initiate recertification prior to the launch of v3 to remain on v2.1; projects initiating recertification after the launch of v3 will automatically be registered on the latest version available.  

• v2.1 Design Pathway: The launch of v3 does not impact projects that have achieved Design Pathway certification under v2.1. Design Pathway projects seeking recertification may recertify under the v2.1 Built Pathway after the release of v3, or choose to upgrade to v3; however, projects will need to upgrade to the most recent version for the next recertification cycle.

If I Register my Project Under v2.1 Now, Am I Able to Upgrade to v3 at a Later Date?

Yes, a project may request an upgrade to v3 through the end of 2023 at no additional cost. Beginning in 2024, upgrading to v3 may be subject to additional fees.

Please note, upgrading a scorecard version may take up to 2 weeks to complete, and any information selected and/or submitted on the preceding digital scorecard must be retained and downloaded on the client side prior to upgrading, as all inputs will be deleted in the changeover.

Will There Be a Cost Difference Between v2.1 and v3? If a Project is Automatically Updated, Will There be an Additional Fee?

No, certification fees will remain consistent between standard versions v2.1 and v3 through the end of 2023. However, pricing is subject to change beginning in 2024. 

How Long Do I Have Before I’m Required to Certify My Project? 

A project has up to three years to submit a project for certification once it is registered. Please note, as described above, for a project to remain on v2.1, the project must be registered by December 15 and payment must be initiated by December 31 in order to remain on that version standard. All projects that do not abide by these dates will be upgraded to v3. 

When Does a Project’s 3-Year Certification Validity Period Begin?

Fitwel Certification is valid for three years from the date the certification is awarded. Recertification can be initiated at any time on the Fitwel Platform within the three years from the date of the initial certification award. Projects that do not submit for recertification within one year from the expiration date will be required to resubmit their project as an initial certification, and will not benefit from recertification efficiencies or discounts on the Fitwel platform.

Is There an Opportunity to Participate in a Pilot Ahead of the Release? 

No, but we are hosting a formal comment period from now through the end of the year to elicit feedback from Fitwel users to ensure improved feasibility, applicability, and to clarify language and/or provide additional examples within the new standard. Comments may be submitted through one of two available online forms in the Fitwel Help Center v3 Preview, here. 

How Does v3 Affect the Fitwel Ambassador Program? Will I Need to Renew My Credential?

An individual’s Fitwel Ambassador credential is valid in perpetuity, regardless of the version under which the credential is awarded. Ambassadors will not need to renew their credentials for v3.

The Ambassador Course is introductory level and primarily focuses on the development of Fitwel, how Fitwel is applied to projects, and the growing health and business imperatives driving demand for health-promoting real estate. The multiple choice exam will be updated to include v3-relevant questions to merge newer strategies and current concepts within Fitwel.

How Can I Learn More? 

The v3 strategy requirements, tools, and resources will be available for preview on the Help Center and will also be shared through our newsletters, blogs, and on social media in the coming weeks and months. Keep an eye out for our upcoming updates!

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