As Fitwel continues to evolve alongside emerging research, market expectations, and global trends, we periodically release updated versions of our certification standards to ensure projects are aligned with the latest evidence-based best practices for health.

This article explains how version control works for certification and recertification projects, including when existing projects may remain on an earlier version and when transitioning to a newer version may provide additional benefits.

While v2.1 remains available for eligible projects, Fitwel v3 offers additional efficiencies, expanded strategies, and stronger alignment with current market priorities.

Why does Fitwel update its standards?

The built environment and our health priorities are evolving in this time of climate change and so is the research that informs our understanding of health and economic impact.

New versions of Fitwel reflect:

• Expanded scientific research and evidence related to health outcomes
• Economic research and analysis linking healthy buildings to value
• Evolving market expectations for efficiency and use at scale
• New strategies that address emerging priorities, including:
  • Climate resilience
  • Operational excellence
  • Equity and accessibility

Fitwel v3 introduced expanded strategy compliance pathways in response to user feedback, and efficiencies to reduce the time it takes to certify including auto scored location strategies and platform short cuts allowing certification of portfolio wide strategies.

While nothing included in prior versions (such as v2.1) has been reversed or invalidated, v3  reflects the latest research including resilience to climate change and evolving consumer health priorities allowing users to futureproof assets.

Projects currently pursuing certification under v2.1 may continue doing so. However, teams beginning new projects may want to evaluate whether Fitwel v3 better aligns with their long-term goals.

Why version updates matter

Maintaining certification under current standards helps ensure projects continue delivering optimized health and economic outcomes over time.

Newer versions provide additional advantages for project teams, including:

Market Differentiation

Continued market positioning as best in class assets, with evidence based strategies to substantiate marketing claims, align with consumer demand, and reinforce brand reputation.

Stronger long-term asset positioning

Newer versions help projects stay aligned with evolving tenant expectations, investor priorities, and market trends.

Greater future-readiness

Newer versions incorporate emerging priorities that help projects stay resilient in a changing environment.

Expanded strategy opportunities

Newer versions include additional strategies that help projects address emerging priorities like resilience, operational performance, and occupant wellbeing.

Stronger alignment with reporting frameworks

Newer certification versions may offer stronger alignment with evolving ESG frameworks and reporting systems, including increased opportunities for GRESB recognition - v3 receives a full GRESB point whereas v2.1 receives partial plus.

How version control works

Design Certification → Built Certification

Projects moving from Design Certification to Built Certification may maintain their existing version when transitioning from design to built.

This allows project teams to preserve continuity while completing development and construction.

Recertification

Projects pursuing recertification may be encouraged–or in some cases required–to transition to newer versions depending on:

• The age of the original certification version
• Current platform requirements
• Applicable scorecard updates

This helps ensure projects continue aligning with the latest evidence-based strategies and market expectations.

Is upgrading to a newer version more work?

For many new projects, Fitwel v3 may be the preferred path because it was intentionally designed to make certification easier and more efficient.

Fitwel has reduced administrative burden for project teams.

With Fitwel v3, users may benefit from:

• Up to 50% less documentation depending on scorecard type
• Improved strategy alignment across scorecards
• Streamlined submission workflows
• Platform enhancements that reduce manual uploads
• Greater clarity on documentation expectations

These improvements are designed to make certification and recertification more efficient while ensuring projects remain aligned with current standards.

Why staying current matters

Certification should help preserve long-term value—not create unnecessary administrative burden.

By aligning projects with current versions of Fitwel, project teams can:

• Stay competitive in evolving markets
• Support tenant health and wellbeing
• Strengthen ESG reporting efforts
• Improve resilience planning
• Maintain confidence that assets reflect the latest health research

Fitwel’s goal is to ensure certification remains both rigorous and practical—helping projects stay relevant today while preparing for tomorrow.

Should I choose v2.1 or v3?

If your project is already underway in v2.1, you may continue pursuing certification under that version.

However, new projects may benefit from choosing Fitwel v3 because it offers:

• Expanded health research integration
• Climate resilience strategies
• Economic impact considerations
• Reduced documentation requirements
• Improved platform functionality
• Portfolio-Wide Strategies (PWS) to certify at scale more efficiently
• Stronger alignment with evolving ESG frameworks like GRESB

Both versions remain valid certification pathways, but Fitwel v3 provides the most up-to-date tools for teams looking to maximize long-term value.

Need help determining your project version?

If you’re unsure which version applies to your project, plase contact our support team and include your Project ID for faster assistance.