What Fitwel Certification System does

Fitwel Certification System is a healthy building certification platform operated by Active Design Advisors, Inc. (Adai), with third-party certification services delivered by its non-profit affiliate Center for Active Design, Inc. The Fitwel Service Marks are owned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, establishing a unique public-private governance structure. The platform offers two core certification products: Fitwel Star Certification for individual properties and sites (awarding 1-3 Star ratings against evidence-based scorecards across nine building typologies including multifamily, retail, senior housing, and community), and Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP), an annual portfolio-wide program enabling organizations to certify 100% of assets. The underlying technology is the Fitwel Platform at app.fitwel.org, which manages registrations, documentation, scorecard selection, and certification workflows, and includes the Smart Scorecard Wizard for automated scorecard routing.

Fitwel generates revenue primarily through per-property certification fees for Star certifications (non-refundable, with three years to complete from invoice date) and annual subscription pricing for FSP portfolio certifications. Champion Company and Champion Provider program participants receive a 5% discount on certification fees in exchange for minimum asset registration and certification volume commitments (20 assets/10 certifications over 24 months for Champion Companies; 10 assets/10 certifications over 12 months for Champion Providers). The customer base spans large commercial REITs and asset managers (BXP, Kilroy Realty, Alexandria Real Estate, Tishman Speyer, BioMed Realty, Harrison Street, Empire State Realty Trust), institutional investment managers (Fidelity Investments, Nuveen, PGIM), and architecture/design/consulting firms (Gensler, CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers, WSP), with adoption across North America, EMEA, and APAC.

The company pursues enterprise sales through dedicated performance managers and account managers for Champion accounts, supplemented by channel sales via the Champion Provider network, industry events (MIPIM, Greenbuild, ULI, PERE Asia), and a community-led loyalty program with Ambassador, Champion Company, Champion+, and Premium Provider tiers. With 25 employees and approximately 5,000 professionals engaged globally, Fitwel positions itself as the leading certification system focused specifically on occupant health and wellness, complementing rather than competing with environmental sustainability certifications.

Name

Fitwel Certification System

Legal name

Active Design Advisors, Inc.

Website

https://fitwel.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fitwel is a healthy building certification platform operated by Active Design Advisors, Inc. with trademark backing from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serving REITs, institutional investors, and consulting firms with portfolio and asset-level certifications measuring occupant health and wellness.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthy Building Certification Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Assessment, Certification & Qualifications Frameworks (BPADAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Building Compliance Testing & Certification (Backflow, RPZ, Cross-Connection) (BPABAHAK), Assessment Interoperability, Integrations & Standards (QTI/LTI/OneRoster) (EDAFADAK)

Keywords

• Healthy building certification
• Building wellness standards
• Portfolio health certification
• Green building rating
• Occupant health certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Fitwel Star Certification Services: Certification services for individual properties or sites. Customers have three years from invoice date to complete certification of a property. Fees are non-refundable.
2. FSP (Fitwel Scale Certification) Services: Annual certification services for portfolio-wide certification. Customers have one year from invoice date to complete certification for their portfolio. Fees are non-refundable.
3. Champion Provider Program Fees: Companies in the Champion Provider program receive a 5% discount on certification fees and pay reduced rates for Ambassador trainings. Program requires registering 10 assets and certifying at least 10 projects annually.
4. Champion Company Program Fees: Champion Companies receive a 5% discount on certification fees. Program requires registering 20 assets and certifying at least 10 projects over 24 months.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fitwel is an evidence-based healthy building certification system that evaluates buildings and portfolios on strategies to improve occupant health and wellness. The system offers two primary certifications: Fitwel Star Certification for individual buildings or sites, awarded 1-3 Star ratings, and Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP) for portfolio-wide health performance benchmarking. Certification is delivered through the Fitwel Platform (app.fitwel.org) with specialized scorecards for different building types including office, multifamily, retail, senior housing, and community sites.

Product overview

Fitwel Certification System is a single, unified certification platform offering two primary certification products: Fitwel Star Certification for individual property/site assessment and Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP) for portfolio-wide health performance measurement. The ecosystem includes the Fitwel Platform (app.fitwel.org) as the central portal for scorecard management, featuring the Smart Scorecard Wizard for automated workflow. Multiple specialized scorecard types (Workplace, Multifamily Residential, Retail, Community, Senior Housing, Low-Rise Residential) support diverse building typologies. The platform is complemented by loyalty programs (Champion Company, Champion Provider, Ambassador) that drive adoption at scale, and the annual Best in Building Health Awards recognizing industry leadership. The Fitwel Viral Response Module provides additional post-pandemic health safety certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fitwel Star Certification: Individual property or building-level certification for assets seeking deep health and wellness improvements.
• Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP)
• Best in Building Health Awards
• Fitwel Ambassador Program
• Fitwel Champion Company Program
• Fitwel Champion Provider Program

Products and services

• Fitwel Star Certification Fitwel's flagship individual property and site certification system that evaluates buildings across evidence-based strategies to promote occupant health and wellness. Properties can achieve 1, 2, or 3 Star ratings based on performance. Customers have three years from invoice date to complete certification.
• Fitwel Scale Certification (FSP) Portfolio-scale certification enabling organizations to measure, benchmark, and strengthen health performance across 100% of assets. Annual certification with one year from invoice to complete.
• Fitwel Champion Company Program Portfolio-scale commitment program for real estate companies requiring registration of 20 assets with at least 10 certifications over 24 months. Provides 5% certification fee discount and targeted staff training.
• Fitwel Champion Provider Program Partner program for architecture, design, engineering, property management, and consulting firms. Requires registering 10 assets with certification of at least 10 over 12 months. Provides 5% discount on certification fees and 50% discount on Ambassador trainings.
• Fitwel Ambassador Program Professional certification program for individuals demonstrating expertise in Fitwel standards. Top Ambassadors receive recognition annually at the Best in Building Health Awards.
• Fitwel Viral Response Module Specialized module addressing COVID-19 related safety and health protocols for building operations, helping organizations demonstrate commitment to indoor environmental health.

Quantifiable outcome

• Rental premiums for Fitwel-certified spaces
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GenslercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Leading global architecture and design firm. Currently managing approximately 50 Fitwel projects and leading certification effort for over 12 million square feet globally. Gensler has been a Fitwel Champion since 2017 and has the most Ambassadors of any company in 2025 and of all-time.
• ConservicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Leading ESG management platform provider. ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year since 2012, GRESB Global Partner, ULI Strategic Partner. Aligns with Fitwel's vision of creating a healthier future.
• TriovestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Leader in Canadian institutional real estate with over $11 billion of assets under management. Committed to offering leading design and operational strategies to support health and well-being.
• JLLcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Global real estate services firm with more than 40 Fitwel Ambassadors. Has been helping clients achieve Fitwel certifications since the organization's inception. Promotes Fitwel's data-driven certification system.
• UL SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Global safety science company that has supported clients in applying the Fitwel rating system on hundreds of unique property assets. Recognized as Greatest Number of Star Certifications - Consultant in 2026.
• CD SontercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Leading sustainability consulting company in Canada. First Canadian Fitwel Provider since 2019. All Awards and Certifications team members are Fitwel Ambassadors.
• RE Tech AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Global sustainability consulting firm that has assisted clients in implementing over 50 successful Fitwel projects totaling 14 million square feet. Winner of Fitwel Innovation Award: Portfolio-Wide Strategy–FSP in 2026.
• Sustainable Investment Group (SIG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Full-service sustainability consulting firm with in-house certified Fitwel Ambassadors. Worked on Fitwel projects all over the US and internationally.
• Southern Energy ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Building performance and solar power experts with 130+ team members. Certified B Corporation supporting clients' goals for healthy living spaces. Supports Fitwel Champions in their client base.
• Verdani PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Leading full-service sustainability consulting firm managing over 320 million square feet for leading REITs. Achieved first Fitwel certification in May 2018 and continues to pursue additional certifications.
• Brightworks SustainabilitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Early adopter of Fitwel. Delivered over 6.5 million square feet of Fitwel certified space since program's founding in 2017. Includes first Fitwel certified projects in Hawaii and Ohio.
• Cushman & WakefieldcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Global real estate company managing over 3.5 billion square feet. Committed to making a difference in communities through healthy living and promotion of well-being.
• EVORA GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability consultancy that recognizes the importance of healthy buildings and positive impact on occupant wellbeing. Promotes Fitwel's data-driven certification system.
• Green Matrix ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntroduced Fitwel into Taiwan market in 2019. Uses evidence-based strategies aligned with mission to 'fight for the next generation.'
• CBREcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. Committed to applying Fitwel certification across projects in UK, China, and globally.
• WSPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global engineering and professional services firm. Reinforces commitment to integrating health and well-being into every phase of the built environment.
• CollierscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global commercial real estate services and investment management firm with $4.5 billion annual revenues and $100 billion assets under management. Fitwel is key component of Elevate Health and Wellbeing ESG priority.
• Nuveen Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest investment managers in the world with $144 billion AUM. Became Fitwel Champion in 2020, committed to multiple certifications.
• PGIM Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest real estate managers in the world. Committed to embedding ESG best practices throughout real estate investment and asset management processes.
• Lorax PartnershipsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen and wellness building consulting provider with over 21 years experience and more than 1,000 successful projects. Aligns wellness framework with Fitwel's occupant wellness focus.
• StokcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability and decarbonization firm with over a dozen completed Fitwel Certifications and over 20 in process. Certified B Corp and ILFI Just organization.
• breeacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability and wellbeing consulting firm that recognizes contributing to healthy spaces increases human satisfaction and greatly improves ESG performance.
• Element FourminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning sustainability strategists. Achieved first two multi-tenant Fitwel certifications outside USA with UK client RO Real Estate.
• HyggeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitectural engineering firm specializing in building energy performance, sustainability, and indoor climate. Over 450 projects delivered across Latin America and Europe.
• GreenCheckminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainability division of RiskCheck, leader in environmental health and safety in Canada for over 25 years. Partners with Fitwel to drive measurable improvements in building health.
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency that will remain Fitwel's research and evaluation partner, ensuring updated versions of the rating system remain true to scientific evidence. Applied Fitwel to Building 107 at Chamblee campus, receiving 3 Star Fitwel Rating.
• City of New York / NYC Department of Health and Mental HygienecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to publish Active Design Guidelines 2.0 (ADG 2.0) in collaboration with Center for Active Design.
• University of CambridgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership with Dr. Franz Fuerst, Professor of Real Estate & Urban Economics. Published research strengthening link between building design, health outcomes, and real estate value.
• Urban Land Institute (ULI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership featuring ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate. Joanna Frank, CEO, participates in ULI events discussing 'S' data in ESG.
• Kilroy Realty CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerREIT and North American leader in sustainability. 8 Fitwel certified properties, 2.5 million square feet. Received 2026 Best in Building Health Impact Award for Greatest Number of Recertified Projects of All-Time.
• Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and only REIT named 'First-in-Class Fitwel Champion.' First company to receive Fitwel certifications. Earned five Fitwel 3 Star Ratings. Winner of 2026 Fitwel Innovation Award: Portfolio-Wide Strategy–Star Certification.
• Harrison Street Asset ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading investment management firm exclusively focused on alternative real assets. Fitwel Excellence Award: Most Star Certifications of All-Time in 2026.
• Tishman SpeyercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of Fitwel's Leadership Advisory Board. Most People Impacted: Building Scorecards of All-Time in 2026.
• BioMed RealtycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife science real estate leader with 16 Fitwel certified properties totaling approximately 3 million square feet. Winner of 2026 Fitwel Innovation Award: Portfolio-Wide Strategy–FSP.
• CortlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultifamily firm recognized as leader in healthy building movement. Winner of 2026 Fitwel Scale Impact & Performance Leadership Award (FSP) for Most Funds Pursuing FSP.
• Aldar PropertiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi with growing presence across UAE, Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Most People Impacted Site Scorecards of All-Time in 2026.
• BXPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest publicly-traded developers and owners of Class A office properties in U.S. Highest Square Footage Certified of All-Time in 2026.
• Lincoln Property CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest private real estate firms in U.S. with 557 million square feet of commercial space under management. Operations across U.S., UK, and Europe.
• BGIScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology-enabled, technically led global integrated facilities management provider. Aligns with BGIS's dedication to fostering healthy work environments.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Green Building Initiative (Green Globes): Green Building Initiative operates Green Globes, an alternative green building certification often cited alongside LEED and WELL. It shares Fitwel's positioning as a more affordable, accessible third-party certification system for commercial real estate. Both target North American real estate owners seeking differentiation from LEED.
• International WELL Building Institute (IWBI): IWBI operates the WELL Building Standard, which is Fitwel's most direct competitor in healthy building certification. Both target commercial real estate owners and use evidence-based scorecards to assess occupant health and wellness. WELL is widely considered the market leader in health-focused certification, with broader international recognition and a more developed tool ecosystem (WELL v2, WELL Performance rating).

Others

• UL Solutions: UL Solutions is a global safety science company and a major Fitwel Champion Provider. It also operates its own building-related standards and certifications. UL's parallel certification programs and testing services make it both a distribution partner and a tangential competitor in the broader building certification market.
• Fitwel v2.1 vs. v3 (Internal precedent): While not an external peer, Fitwel's evolution from v2.1 to v3 represents internal standardization updates. The peer ecosystem of comparable certification bodies (WELL, LEED, BREEAM) is also upgrading in parallel, creating competitive pressure on Fitwel's version cadence.
• GRESB: GRESB is the dominant ESG benchmarking platform for real estate and infrastructure portfolios. While not a building certification, GRESB is where institutional investors measure portfolio-level sustainability and health performance, complementing Fitwel's portfolio certification (FSP). Real estate investors increasingly use GRESB scores alongside Fitwel certifications.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - LEED: USGBC administers LEED, the dominant green building certification. While LEED's primary focus is environmental sustainability, it has expanded into health and wellness features (LEED v4.1, LEED for Communities). LEED is the incumbent that Fitwel often complements rather than competes with directly, but it competes for the same ESG/real estate certification budget. Many of Fitwel's Champion Providers (Gensler, JLL, CBRE) also deliver LEED projects.
• BRE Group (BREEAM): BRE Group operates BREEAM, the leading international green building certification scheme with strong presence in EMEA. BREEAM has expanded into health and wellness categories and serves many of the same institutional real estate investors as Fitwel. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping capabilities but greater geographic focus in Europe.

Emerging players

• International Living Future Institute (Living Building Challenge): ILFI operates the Living Building Challenge, a regenerative building certification with a more rigorous and aspirational standard. It appeals to early-adopter real estate companies focused on health and sustainability. While smaller in scale, it competes for the same health-conscious building owner segment.
• RESET Standard: RESET is a health-focused building certification emphasizing indoor air quality and continuous monitoring. It is a more specialized, technology-driven alternative to Fitwel, particularly relevant for commercial real estate owners seeking occupant health validation. Competes in the same health-and-wellness certification segment.

Regional players

• Green Building Council of Australia (Green Star): Green Star is the dominant green building rating system in Australia and is comparable to Fitwel in offering evidence-based, third-party certification of building sustainability and health. As Fitwel expands in APAC, Green Star represents a regional competitor with strong local market share and government backing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@fitwelcertificationsystem/videos
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fitwel-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fitwel Certification System