What Does “Sunsetted” (Forfeited) Mean?

A Sunsetted Project (referred to as forfeited under Fitwel’s Terms of Service) is a project that did not complete certification within the allowed timeframe. Once sunsetted, a project can no longer submit without paying for certification again.

Sunsetting is a system-based compliance mechanism and does not carry additional penalties beyond forfeiting the current pursuit and any fees related to certification. However, it does mean the current project will not receive third-party validation, health impact recognition, and performance value associated with completed certification.

Sunset Timeframes (per Terms of Service)

The clock starts when the certification fee invoice is generated, not when the project is registered. 

• Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP): 1 year
• Fitwel Star Certification: 3 years

Because certification reviews take time, projects may sunset even if submitted or in review if they exceed the allotted timeframe. Please track certification timelines carefully once fees are generated. 

Best practice:
Generate only the registration fee when the project is created and the scorecard is generated. Then generate the certification fee later, when the project is closer to submission ready.

How to Avoid Sunsetting

• Start preparing documentation after the registration, before generating the certification fee invoice
• Coordinate internally to avoid delays in documentation and payment
• Generate the certification invoice when you know are nearing submission ready
• Respond promptly to Client Response requests 
• If you need help changing your scorecard because of scope changes, please email info@fitwel.org for support.

How to Begin Again

• Navigate to the project you’d like to pursue certification on
• Select “Begin Certification” in the top right
• Complete the project details to register a new scorecard 
• Watch the new smart efficiencies apply
• Documentation is accessible for download on the prior scorecard, however answers and documentation content will not transfer 
• Create and upload updated documentation and answers
• Generate and pay the certification fee when you are nearing submission ready

If you have substantial documentation on the sunset project, our team is here to help and may be able to support in moving the documentation. Please email info@fitwel.org for support. 

What Happens When a Project Is Sunsetted

• The project status shows as Sunsetted
• Certification is not awarded
• Fitwel branding, logos, and certification claims cannot be used
• Any partial documentation is archived and accessible for download in the sunset project
• The project must be re-registered and use the current Fitwel Standard to begin again 

If you’re unsure about timing or readiness, our team can help you plan registration and submission to avoid unnecessary forfeiture.