09. Programming & Evaluation - Internet Access

Provide occupants with access to a common space that is internet accessible

Rationale: Providing free broadband internet within common areas is a valuable way to ensure residents have access to essential resources such as telemedicine, vaccinations, food, education, and employment — and is associated with lowered rates of chronic disease and preventable hospitalizations.

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

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with the below:

Option 1 - Internet Access in Common Space (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Provide a free method of internet access to all residential occupants within the buildings.

2. Ensure the internet is accessible in a common space or amenity within the building(s) that is accessible to all residential occupants.
   

3. Ensure that the common space(s) or amenity with internet connectivity includes all of the following features:

• table(s)
• seating
• electrical outlets

Qualifying common amenities may include but are not limited to:
– lobbies with seating
– business or resource centers
– multi-purpose rooms
– common rooms

Municipal buildings do not qualify for the strategy.

Option 2 - Internet Access within Dwelling Units (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

1. Provide free internet access within all dwelling units to all residents of the building(s).

Option 3 - Internet Connectivity (Partial Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Provide connections to a minimum of two internet providers in each dwelling unit within the building.

2. Publicize the internet provider options to all resident occupants through one of the following:
   • a digital platform, such as a website, digital application, or display screen in common areas
   • communication material, such as notification emails or newsletters

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway 

Option 1:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that a method of internet access will be provided to all residential occupants free of charge
• Requirement 2
  • Checkbox to certify that the internet will be accessible in a common space or amenity within the building(s) that will be accessible to all residential occupants.
  • Upload an annotated plan showing the planned location(s) of the common space(s) or amenity within the building(s) where free internet will be provided
• Requirement 3
  • Upload annotated design drawings or photographs showing all of the required features in the common amenity

Option 2:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that a method of internet access will be provided to all residential occupants free of charge within the dwelling units.
  • Upload the details of the internet that will be provided to the residents.

Option 3:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that the project will include connectivity to a minimum of two internet providers in each dwelling unit.
  • Upload the details of the internet providers that will be offered to the residents.
• Requirement 2
  • Upload a copy of the materials that will be shared with all resident occupants.
  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials will be shared with all resident occupants.

Built Pathway

Option 1:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that a method of internet access is provided to all residential occupants free of charge.
• Requirement 2
  • Checkbox to certify that the internet will be accessible in a common space or amenity within the building(s) that is accessible to all residential occupants.
  • Upload an annotated plan showing the planned location(s) of the common space(s) or amenity within the building(s) where free internet is provided
• Requirement 3
  • Upload annotated photograph(s) showing all of the required features in the common amenity

Option 2:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that a method of internet access is provided to all residential occupants free of charge within the dwelling units.
  • Upload the details of the internet that is provided to the residents.

Option 3:

• Requirement 1
  • Checkbox to certify that the project includes connectivity to a minimum of two internet providers in each dwelling unit.
  • Upload the details of the internet providers that are offered to the residents.
• Requirement 2
  • Upload a copy of the materials that is shared with all resident occupants.
  • Checkbox to certify that the educational materials are shared with all resident occupants.