The Stantec Toronto office is characterized by open stairways, natural materials, access to ample daylight, and an underfloor air distribution system for clean air delivery and promotion of individual occupant comfort.
In November 2017, Stantec became the 13th company to form a strategic alliance with the Center for Active Design (CfAD, the leading non-profit using design to foster healthy, engaged communities) by becoming a Fitwel Champion. Developed by CfAD in 2015, Fitwel is a health-focused third-party rating system piloted at 89 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and General Services Administration (GSA) facilities. Similar to the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel offers a market-friendly, cost-effective opportunity for projects seeking certification for incorporation of proven evidence-based design approaches across the built environment. The Champion designation was designed for early adopter organizations looking to broaden their commitment to better health impacts across their portfolios. Other Champions include global giants in design, construction, and real estate.
Stantec saw an opportunity to leverage our size and presence in North America and beyond to form this alliance as part of a shift toward focusing on sustainability and wellness in the built environment with three primary areas of impact: 1) our real estate, 2) our people, and 3) our clients.
In Denver, visitors to the second-floor lobby of Stantec are greeted by a free office bike share. The space opens to a roof terrace to encourage year-round outdoor activity.
Real Estate: The Champion commitment initiated a pilot project where three Stantec offices (Boston, Denver, and Toronto) began retroactive Fitwel certification—to be completed by Q1, 2018. While modest in scope, this initial cohort will assess the applicability of key strategies for health and wellness that have the potential to affect all Stantec real estate moving forward. Our current real estate policy is to design Stantec offices (400+ on six continents) to meet LEED Silver equivalency, where it makes sense. Our hope is to add a requirement that Stantec offices meet Fitwel 1-star equivalency too, in this same spirit.
People: Our people are our greatest asset, and we feel through our Champion designation and Fitwel certifications that we can encourage healthy behaviors by demonstrating a commitment toward active engagement in promoting staff health and wellness. We want to attract and retain the best talent and keep them inspired, engaged, and productive inside and beyond Stantec. Becoming a Fitwel Champion also aligns with the existing health and wellness programs we offer.