An Oregon senior living company is the first to achieve health and wellness standards for senior housing community design and operations under the Fitwel global health certification program.
The Springs at Greer Gardens in Eugene, OR, operated by Oregon-based The Springs Living, earned 106 points — out of a possible 144 — on the Fitwel senior housing scorecard.
“The certification by the Center for Active Design not only marks an industry milestone, but it also demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing the physical, mental and social health of our residents and staff,” a Springs Living LinkedIn post reads.
Fitwel, a healthy building certification system operated by the New York-based Center for Active Design, launched its senior housing scorecard in 2021. Certification criteria are based on operational policies for indoor air quality, cleaning practices, design strategies, access to green spaces, and amenities, including fitness centers and walking trails.
Fitwel collaborated with investment management firm Harrison Street in 2019 to establish a senior housing scorecard for assisted living, independent living and memory care communities. The goal is to help owners optimize the properties to promote the health and wellness of residents and employees.
The Fitwel healthy building certification system was created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. General Services administration. The senior housing scorecard was developed from hundreds of academic studies and feedback from senior living operators of Chicago-based investment management company Harrison Street.
The Springs Living participated in the scorecard prototype. The company is following LEED Silver and Fitwel standards during the construction of a new Vancouver, WA, senior living community — The Springs Living at The Waterfront — expected to open in 2024.
