News

Network Drive, a 1 million-square-foot world-class office and life science campus, has obtained the Fitwel® Commercial Site certification, making it the first campus in the United States to achieve the 2-star rating.

Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all™. Operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD), Fitwel is a rigorous, third-party healthy building certification system that sets the industry standard for evidence-based strategies to promote positive health outcomes for building occupants and communities. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. General Service Administration, with the CDC remaining the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel.

Network Drive, which is also Energy Star-Rated and LEED Gold Certified, joins just one other commercial campus in North America to have achieved the 2-star Fitwel rating under the Commercial Site level.

“Network Drive has always striven to be at the forefront of energy-consciousness and sustainability. Layering on the Fitwel 2-star certification further complements those efforts and recognizes our extensive health and wellness amenity package. We see tremendous value in creating a safe and healthy workplace as our tenants begin returning to the office, and the Fitwel certification validates our continued commitment to do that,” said Vice President Patrick O’Neill.

The Network Drive management team spent nearly nine months on the project, beginning efforts in August 2020, submitting for Fitwel review in December, and achieving certification in April 2021. Management implemented several health-promoting design and operational strategies to ensure its success, including daily fitness programming, access to outdoor spaces and amenities, and healthy food and beverage offerings, among other policies, guidelines, and programs.

The Fitwel certification is a testament to the quality of the original design and the commitment towards the continuous improvement for the health and well-being of the Network Drive community.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Network Drive as the first corporate campus in the U.S. to achieve a 2-star Fitwel certification rating, certifying over 900,000 sq. ft., and as a leading example of how real estate owners and operators are embracing the healthy building movement,” said Joanna Frank, President and CEO of CfAD. “By achieving Fitwel certification for such a marquee office and life sciences development, Nordblom has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing occupant health and safety while creating modern and productive workspaces.”