03. Outdoor Spaces - Natural Elements

Include natural elements in all parks and plazas

Rationale: Including green spaces and blue spaces within parks and plazas improves surrounding air quality, lowers summer temperatures, and provides views of nature, which are associated with lowered risk of chronic respiratory illnesses, heat-related disorders, and depressive symptoms; these health benefits are impactful for all populations, but are especially beneficial for underserved communities.

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:

Natural Landscaping Elements (Full Credit):

To achieve full credit, demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Include a minimum of two of the following design features in each park and plaza within the project:

• trees
• plantings or flower beds
• water features
• living walls
• shrubs or hedges
• grass lawns.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathways

Requirement 1

• Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) identifying the existing or planned location of all parks and plazas within the project boundary.

Requirement 2

• Upload annotated design drawings or photograph(s) of each park and plaza demonstrating the inclusion of a minimum of two qualifying natural elements.

Built Pathways

Requirement 1

• Upload an annotated map(s) or plan(s) identifying the location of all parks and plazas within the project boundary.

Requirement 2

• Upload an annotated photograph from each park and plaza demonstrating the inclusion of a minimum of two qualifying natural elements.