American International School of Jeddah – For this project, the contractor installed cut and painted Flat Acoustical Foam, in combination with our Pyramid Acoustic Foam, for a unique, designer finish.
A few months ago, I worked with a property manager who wanted to achieve Fitwel Certification for their office building. They had already implemented energy-efficient lighting, improved air quality, and enhanced wellness spaces. But there was one glaring issue—noise. Employees were struggling to focus due to excessive sound distractions in open areas, and meeting rooms lacked privacy. They soon realized that acoustic comfort is just as important as other wellness factors in creating a productive, healthy work environment.
That’s where Acoustical Solutions stepped in. By integrating soundproofing and noise-reducing materials, we helped them meet Fitwel Certification standards while ensuring a quieter, more comfortable workplace.
In this article, we’ll break down what Fitwel Certification is, why acoustics matter in achieving Fitwel standards, and how Acoustical Solutions can help you create a healthier, quieter indoor environment.
What Is Fitwel Certification?
Fitwel Certification is a globally recognized standard focused on promoting health and wellness in buildings. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), it provides a data-driven approach to enhancing workplace productivity, well-being, and occupant satisfaction.
Key Focus Areas of Fitwel
Fitwel evaluates buildings based on several wellness criteria, including:
- Indoor environmental quality (air, lighting, and acoustics).
- Mental and physical well-being of occupants.
- Access to natural light and green spaces.
- Building safety and design improvements.
- Workplace comfort and productivity enhancements.
While air quality and ergonomics often take center stage in Fitwel discussions, acoustics play a crucial role in occupant comfort. Poor sound control leads to stress, fatigue, and reduced focus, making noise management a critical aspect of meeting Fitwel Certification requirements.
Fitwel vs. WELL Certification: What’s the Difference?
Fitwel and WELL are two leading building certification programs, but they differ in their approach to health and wellness:
- Fitwel focuses on evidence-based public health principles and is more flexible, making it easier for existing buildings to achieve certification.
- WELL Certification is performance-based and requires ongoing assessments to ensure compliance.
- Both certifications emphasize acoustic performance, but Fitwel provides scalable solutions for improving sound quality in workplaces, healthcare facilities, and residential spaces.
If you’re trying to decide between Fitwel vs. WELL Certification, consider your building’s goals. Regardless of the certification, soundproofing solutions from Acoustical Solutions can help enhance acoustic comfort and meet the required standards.
Why Acoustics Matter in Fitwel Certification
One often overlooked aspect of building wellness is acoustic comfort. While Fitwel focuses on various factors like air quality and lighting, managing noise levels is equally critical to creating a productive, healthy space.
The Impact of Noise on Health & Productivity
Studies show that excessive noise in workplaces and residential environments leads to:
- Increased stress and fatigue.
- Reduced concentration and focus.
- Lower occupant satisfaction.
- Decreased productivity in open offices.
Fitwel and Indoor Environmental Quality
Fitwel evaluates how well buildings support human health through indoor environmental factors, including acoustics. Here’s where noise control makes a difference:
- Reducing distractions in open workspaces.
- Enhancing privacy in meeting rooms and offices.
- Minimizing echo and reverberation in high-traffic areas.
- Blocking external noise from busy streets or adjacent spaces.
By prioritizing sound management, you can create a space that supports wellness while earning Fitwel Certification credits.
Fitwel Certification Requirements & Acoustic Solutions
Dimensional Sphere tiles in Snow White installed in a conference room
Fitwel recommends improving acoustic conditions to promote wellness. While we’re not Fitwel Certification consultants, we regularly work with building teams to improve acoustics—an important part of the certification process. We recommend consulting with a qualified Fitwel expert for certification guidance, but here’s how Acoustical Solutions can support your sound management strategy with effective acoustic products:
1. Acoustic Panels for Walls and Ceilings
- AlphaSorb® Fabric-Wrapped Acoustic Panels reduce echo and improve speech clarity in open spaces.
- Acoustic Ceiling Clouds and Baffles control noise in large office or commercial spaces.
- Sonex® Acoustic Foam Panels provide a cost-effective solution for sound absorption.
2. Soundproofing Solutions for Private Offices & Meeting Rooms
- PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Ceiling Barriers block unwanted sound transmission.
- Door seals and acoustic window kits prevent noise leaks.
- Modular soundproof enclosures offer private, quiet meeting spaces.
3. Sound Masking Systems for Open Offices
- White noise and sound masking systems help reduce speech distractions in shared workspaces.
- Privacy-enhancing solutions allow employees to focus without intrusive background noise.
4. HVAC and Mechanical Noise Control
- PrivacyShield® Soundproofing Blankets minimize mechanical noise.
- Duct liner insulation prevents sound from traveling through HVAC systems.
- Acoustic foam barriers reduce unwanted equipment noise.
By integrating these soundproofing solutions, your building can earn Fitwel Certification credits while ensuring a healthier, quieter indoor space.
How to Get Fitwel Certified
Achieving Fitwel Certification involves a series of strategic improvements to enhance occupant health and wellness. One crucial aspect often overlooked is noise control, which directly impacts comfort, productivity, and overall well-being in a space.
1. Assess Your Building’s Wellness & Noise Control
Identify areas where soundproofing improvements are needed to support occupant health and productivity.
2. Implement Acoustic Enhancements
Use Acoustical Solutions’ products to reduce noise distractions, improve privacy, and enhance sound quality.
3. Submit Fitwel Documentation
Demonstrate your building’s improvements in indoor environmental quality, including acoustics.
4. Earn Fitwel Certification
Achieve Fitwel recognition by creating a healthier, more comfortable indoor space.
Why Acoustical Solutions Should Be Part of Your Fitwel Project
At Acoustical Solutions, we specialize in helping buildings meet Fitwel standards through expert soundproofing and noise control solutions.
What We Offer:
- Custom acoustic assessments to evaluate your building’s needs.
- High-performance soundproofing materials that align with Fitwel’s wellness goals.
- Expert guidance on implementing noise control solutions for office, healthcare, and residential projects.
Proven Experience
We’ve worked with businesses, developers, and architects to create Fitwel-aligned acoustic environments, ensuring that buildings support both wellness and productivity.
Achieve Fitwel Certification with Acoustical Solutions
Fitwel Certification is not just about sustainability—it’s about creating a space that promotes health, comfort, and well-being. Acoustic control is a key component in making that happen.
By integrating soundproofing solutions into your Fitwel strategy, you can enhance focus, reduce stress, and create a more enjoyable indoor environment for occupants.
Contact Acoustical Solutions today to explore how our acoustic products and expertise can help your building meet Fitwel Certification requirements!
To learn more about how Acoustical Solutions can solve your noise control problems, use our contact form, call one of our Acoustical Sales Consultants at (800) 782-5742, or visit us on the web at acousticalsolutions.com.
