Lehigh University’s Health, Science, Technology Building (HST) was named one of Fitwel's 2023 Best in Building Health Award Winners. It also received the distinction of tying for the Highest Scoring Design project of 2022 nationally.
Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system for healthy building design and operations. It was originally developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen the health and well-being of all occupants.
HST, the new home for Lehigh’s College of Health, is LEED Gold certified and is the first building at Lehigh to be Fitwel certified. The utilization of certification standards such as Fitwel is part of Lehigh’s Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 for designing Healthy Infrastructure. HST is also the pilot location for implementing biophilic design, which Lehigh hopes to expand into other buildings and renovations.
HST received a 3-Star certification, which is the highest level of certification possible. Fitwel recognized Lehigh for its commitment to promoting health and well-being within its properties and in the surrounding communities. Lehigh committed to all seven of Fitwel's Health Impact Categories - Community Health, Individual Health, Social Equity, Mental Health, Nutritional Health, Occupant Safety, and Physical Activity - with Occupant Safety being the most impacted.
HST embodies healthy building design and operations, including features such as:
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Active design (e.g. stairs, walkable locations)
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Biophilic design (e.g. natural materials and plants)
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Healthy eating options
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Occupant safety protocol
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Enhanced air and water quality
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Circadian lighting
"Lehigh is honored to be recognized for our efforts to make the HST building a leading example of healthy building practices. Being recognized speaks volumes for all of the people that dedicated time and planning effort to create an environment meant to promote health and wellness for occupants and visitors” said Joe Klocek, Interim Director, Planning, Design and Construction.
