Course Description:

A growing amount of evidence links the condition of our built environment to individual health behaviors, as well as broader public health outcomes. The Fitwel® Certification System and associated Ambassadors program empower a range of practitioners to create a healthier future, where every building is enhanced to support the wellbeing of occupants and the surrounding community. Developed by experts in public health and design—including advisors from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. General Services Administration—Fitwel’s evidence-based, high-impact strategies support health and productivity in any project, through targeted design and operational improvements. We will also take an in-depth look at a case study project pursuing Fitwel certification, highlighting a commitment to improving and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

1 LU/HSW

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze the 7 health impact categories of Fitwel, which cover food, safety, activity, equity, well-being, community, and reduced morbidity/absenteeism.    
2. Explain the process to implement Fitwel on an active project and how the various aspects of Fitwel increase productivity and health.      
3. Learn about practical design and operational strategies to create a healthy living environment for occupants, through a project’s location, outdoor spaces, ground floor amenities, stairwells, and shared spaces, among other opportunities.
4. Participants will learn about a detailed case study of a Washington, DC-based commercial interior project that is pursuing Fitwel built certification to address a range of health priorities.

SPEAKER:

Matthew Balkey, WELL AP
Project Architect | Fitwel Ambassador, Torti Gallas + Partners

Matthew Balkey is a Pennsylvania Registered Architect and an associate at Torti Gallas and Partners in their Washington, DC office. His experience as a project architect spans all phases of design, documentation, and construction administration on a range of affordable and market-rate residential and mixed-use developments. A founding member of the firm’s Healthy Communities working group, he became a Fitwel Ambassador in January 2019 and WELL AP in August 2020.
     

Registrants will receive the Zoom viewing instructions in their registration confirmation and via email prior to the webinar.