More than ever, the green building movement is focused on promoting building initiatives that improve energy efficiency and occupant health. The U.S. Green Building Council recently released a body of research into eight building design strategies for promoting healthier buildings, and it provides some guideposts that fitness design consultants should be addressing for new builds and renovations.

Here are eight action items to consider when improving the health standards of your new or existing fitness center.

Make Air Quality a Top Priority

Air quality standards involve much more than air filtration and are essential for member health. Consider dust, particulates, and possible off-gassing of any construction materials during construction and long after, and provide adequate ventilation and filters to handle your facility at maximum capacity. Consider cleaning protocols, materials, and chemicals that won’t negatively affect air quality.

Exceed Water Quality Standards

Remove pathogens and other contaminants from your building’s municipal water supply through the whole-building use of high-quality water filtration systems. Let your members know how clean your building’s water really is! 

Provide Natural, Healthy Lighting

Natural lighting that can be controlled through occupant-operated shades is the gold standard for green building design. Consider alternative ways to bring natural light into your facility, such as solar tubes.

Consider More Than HVAC Comfort Levels

Thermal comfort involves a building’s internal air temperature, relative humidity, the speed of air movement, and each occupant’s comfort level and perceived productivity level. Any well-designed building automation system should address occupancy scheduling, remote systems controls, and adjustability of thermal comfort measures in purpose-driven workout spaces.

Reduce Noise Levels

The USGBC report outlines Acoustic Comfort as one of its key healthy building design elements. Noise levels inside a fitness center can be particularly difficult to control without first addressing the reduction of exterior noise intrusion. Moving from the outside of the building to the innermost classrooms, find opportunities to insolate sound using barriers and sound absorbing materials during construction. 

Give Members a Great View

Reports indicate that people want to be able to see the outdoors when they’re inside. Windows with a great view aren’t the only option for providing this connection to nature. If your location or building exterior limit your ability to provide a natural view, consider using natural materials in fitness center décor to “bring the outside, in.” USGBC reports indicate that virtual reality-based “natural” elements also have health benefits.

Create a Layout That Gets People Moving

Active design seems like it might be a moot point for fitness centers, but think again. When fitness design consultants consider traffic flow, it’s a good idea to think about ways to help members move more and thereby encourage an active lifestyle. Well-lit stairs and bicycle racks might go a long way in sending that “healthy movement” message your center is trying to convey.

Consider Thoughtful Landscaping

You may not be ready to install a vegetable garden on your roof, but don’t throw out the idea of green spaces when planning your facility. There’s no rule about how large a green space should be – even a small water feature and a wall with a climbing vine near the entrance adds to member perception that your center is a sanctuary of green and healthy living.

While this is just a high-level overview of some considerations for fitness design consultants and fitness center managers, it’s a great place to start. Read the full report to learn more about the USGBC recommendations, and contact us at info@aquilaltd.com to learn more about our fitness center design and consulting services. Aquila has more than 25 years’ experience in fitness center design, construction consulting, and fitness center management, and we are committed to promoting and supporting green and sustainable healthy building practices.