** Incoming! v3 Revisions are on the way! **

In response to your feedback, we will be providing the following update: Update the percentage to reflect access in 51% of all spaces instead of 51% of each room.

Please note, the below requirements and compliance documentation will be updated soon to reflect v3 changes. You can find more information on these revisions in a Change Log that will be available on the Help Center on December 10, 2024. ________________________________________________________________________

Provide access to views of nature

Rationale: Views of greenery, trees, water, and other natural elements throughout the day can increase occupants’ perceived connection with nature, contributing to a decreased risk of chronic inflammation and a diminished risk of mental health conditions including distress, depression, and anxiety.

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Outdoor Natural Elements (Full Credit):

Provide access to views of nature by meeting all of the following requirements:

1. Ensure access to views of one of the following qualifying outdoor natural elements in all regularly occupied common areas within the building:
   
   • vegetation or greenery such, as plants, trees, lawns or parks
   • water bodies, including ponds, lakes, rivers, or other natural water bodies
   • landscape, such as mountains, forests, hills, or other natural landscapes.
2. Ensure a minimum of 51% of the floor area of each regularly occupied common space within the building is located within views of outdoor natural elements.
3. Ensure the view of outdoor natural elements meets one of the following:
   
   • for nearby views, be visible within 300 feet or 92 meters of the building window
   • for distant views beyond 300 feet or 92 meters, be uninterrupted by buildings or other architectural elements.

Qualifying regularly occupied common areas must include but are not limited to the following:
1. Common spaces: which include spaces where building occupants gather for social events, such as resident lounges, common kitchen facilities, multipurpose rooms, and game rooms. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces.
2. Common building amenities: which include resource centers, fitness facilities, and exercise rooms.

Option 2 - Indoor Natural Elements (Partial Credit):

Provide qualifying indoor natural elements in all regularly occupied spaces that demonstrate compliance with the following requirements:

1. Ensure access to unobstructed views of one of the following qualifying indoor natural elements in all regularly occupied common spaces in the building:
   
   • an indoor plant with a minimum height of 12 inches (including pot), visible at a minimum height of 42 inches or 106 centimeters
   • a green wall visible at a minimum height of 42 inches or 106 centimeters
   • a water feature visible at a minimum height of 42 inches or 106 centimeters.
2. Ensure views of indoor natural elements are uninterupted by furniture partitions or other permanent features that measure above 42 inches or 106 centimeters.
3. Ensure a minimum of 51% of the floor area of each regularly occupied space within the building is located within 20 feet or 6 meters of qualifying indoor natural elements.

Qualifying regularly occupied common spaces must include but are not limited to the following:
1. Common spaces: which include spaces where building occupants gather for social events, such as resident lounges, common kitchen facilities, multipurpose rooms, and game rooms. Note that hallways, corridors, and elevator banks are not considered regularly occupied spaces.
2. Common building amenities: which include resource centers, fitness facilities, and exercise rooms.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway 

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied common areas within the building will have access to views of qualifying outdoor natural elements
• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated plan identifying the percentage of views of nature within each regularly occupied common space
• Requirement 3
  • Upload an annotated plan or design drawing detailing:
    • the distance between the building facades and the outdoor natural elements in view
    • all buildings or structures between the building facades and the outdoor natural elements in view

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1
  • Upload annotated design drawings or photograph(s) of qualifying indoor natural elements within each regularly occupied common space
• Requirement 2
  • Upload annotated design drawings or plans identifying all furniture partitions, or other permanent features above 42 inches or 106 centimeters, and indoor natural elements in view
• Requirement 3
  • Upload an annotated plan identifying the percentage of views of nature within each regularly occupied space

Built Pathway 

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that all windows within all regularly occupied common areas within the building have access to views of qualifying outdoor natural elements
• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated plan identifying the percentage of views of nature within each regularly occupied common space
• Requirement 3
  • Upload an annotated plan detailing:
    • the distance between the building facades and the outdoor natural elements in view
    • all buildings or structures between the building facades and the outdoor natural elements in view

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1

  • Upload an annotated photograph(s) of qualifying indoor natural elements within each regularly occupied space

• Requirement 2
  • Upload annotated design drawings or plans identifying all furniture partitions or other permanent features above 42 inches or 106 centimeters and indoor natural elements in view
• Requirement 3
  • Upload an annotated plan identifying the percentage of views of nature within each regularly occupied space