Location
Charlotte, NC
Certification
NGBS Silver & Fitwel
Number of Units
328
Developer
Terwilliger Pappas
01
Vision
When our long-time partner, Terwilliger Pappas, came to us with the concept for Solis Midtown, located in downtown Charlotte, NC, we were excited to help bring their sustainability vision to life. Historically, many Solis projects we have worked on have pursued the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). However, Terwilliger Pappas sought to expand their goals for Solis Midtown to include not only a green building program, but also two healthy building programs.
Solis Midtown was the third phase of Pappas Properties’ wellness focused, 7-acre mixed-use development in the Midtown neighborhood of Charlotte. The Midtown development is a partnership between Pappas Properties, Terwilliger Pappas and leading real estate investment trust Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL).
“The desire for wellness extends past physical fitness and nutritious eating habits; it also needs to include healthy socialization, quality sleep and strong mental health. To create a balanced life your residence needs to reflect these attributes. Solis Midtown will focus on creating units that capture light and the best sound quality while also providing its residents with wellness-focused amenities."
Terwilliger Pappas set out to work with SEM to determine how to execute the development team’s wellness vision in the execution of the Solis Midtown apartments. After meeting with the team and understanding the goals for Solis Midtown, it was evident that NGBS Silver + WELLNESS Badge and Fitwel Certifications would provide both the validation and recognition the ownership and development team was looking for. The combination of these programs aligns with their sustainability vision and ESG objectives by enhancing building efficiency and promoting the health and well-being of residents.
What is NGBS Green +WELLNESS?
Launched in summer 2020, the NGBS Green+ WELLNESS badge is part of the NGBS Green+ recognition for NGBS Green Certified buildings, highlighting those that excel in green building practices. The WELLNESS badge specifically emphasizes factors impacting human health, such as air quality, movement, moisture management, humidity control, nourishment, light, sound, materials, and access to nature.
Why Dual Certification?
Many properties are looking to meet not only sustainability goals, but also continued wellness goals via a healthy building standard. While traditional green building programs (LEED, NGBS, Earthcraft, etc.) may meet the “E” (Environmental) in ESG, healthy building programs such as Fitwel and WELL can meet the “S” (social) aspects. If your investor has ESG goals, or is looking to earn credits for GRESB reporting, pursuing a dual certification of a green + healthy program on your project is a great way to meet multiple categories. Not only may this meet the investor or owner’s goals, it is also a great way to ensure market differentiation with continued operational requirements to ensure the standards are upkept post-occupancy.
02
Challenges
The addition of both the +WELLNESS Badge and Fitwel certification were firsts for our client. Meeting their expanded goals meant navigating new programs and understanding what that meant for product selection & operational requirements. Proper coordination between all teams including the design team, operations team, general contractors, and SEM as the verifier was a critical aspect to ensuring completion of these programs.
For +WELLNESS, many of the products needed to comply with the program’s credits were not typically used in Terwilliger Pappas’ standard building, which meant additional research was needed to ensure the product was in compliance with the program & within their budget.
To achieve Fitwel certification, the property now needed to comply with several operational requirements that had not been previously implemented by the development and property management teams. Additionally, they needed to understand the implications of these changes for the building after occupancy.
Although navigating multiple programs with new requirements and ongoing criteria can seem overwhelming, it can be streamlined when working with an experienced verifier. While these programs do not directly overlap, there are several cross-program synergies that make navigating credit selection a more straightforward process.
03
Solutions
Due to the similarities between programs, we were able to streamline the plan review process knowing that there were several areas of alignment between credits. The experts on our team were able to analyze commonalities between the three certification programs to recommend which credits to pursue based on the overlap. Although the credits for Fitwel, NGBS, and the +WELLNESS badge are not identical, we developed a solution that covered the requirements for similar credits across the programs.
For example, “no smoking” is a credit within each program. By pursuing the Fitwel credit (which is the most stringent of the variations of this credit between the three certification programs) the project was able to satisfy the requirement for each certification.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality Standards
We see a similar approach with credits pertaining to indoor air quality (IAQ). While NGBS & the +WELLNESS badge have requirements related to building materials & filtration that improve IAQ, Fitwel has credits related to policy, testing, and ongoing education to ensure that the IAQ measures are kept up with. This project chose to pursue the Fitwel IAQ policy, ensuring that the efforts made during the design phase to achieve proper IAQ continue after the building is occupied and in use.
The Role of a Fitwel Champion Provider
As we mentioned previously, the addition of Fitwel means adding in several operational credits to meet the certification requirements. As a Fitwel Champion Provider, we have ample experience in helping coordinate between the design team and the operations team to ensure the credits chosen make sense for the property and are properly implemented. Additionally, our status as a Champion Provider means that the project underwent an expedited review process, and was able to benefit from reduced certification fees.
04
Results
Solis Midtown achieved NGBS Silver certification, Fitwel two-star certification, and the NGBS Green+ WELLNESS badge, showcasing top-notch indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and a commitment to occupant wellness.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
In order to meet program requirements related to IAQ and create a healthier living environment, the project upgraded to smart thermostats with dehumidification capabilities, added outdoor air mechanical ventilation systems, integrated HVAC system protection and performed moisture testing on materials. As noted previously, to ensure improved IAQ continues post-occupancy, the design & operations teams chose to implement a comprehensive indoor air quality policy, and tobacco & smoke free policy, scoring points in both the Fitwel & NGBS Green +WELLNESS programs.
Enhanced Living Experience
As part of creating an enhanced living experience and meeting both the Fitwel & NGBS Green +WELLNESS program requirements, Terwilliger Pappas chose credits that added community-oriented features such as a community garden, bicycle storage, and free monthly community classes & events all while offering close proximity to local amenities.
Education and Awareness
At the end of the project and before residents moved in, our team conducted a training session with Terwilliger Pappas and RKW Residential, the property managers, to provide an overview of NGBS, the NGBS +WELLNESS Badge, and Fitwel. This ensured the on-site team was well-informed and could maintain program requirements, address residents’ questions about the certifications, and help promote the achievement for years to come. Additionally, the model unit was also outfitted with plaques that highlight NGBS features to bring awareness to future residents when they are touring the unit.
Cheers to Solis Midtown
Congrats to the Welltower, Pappas Properties, and Terwilliger Pappas team! Solis Midtown sets a precedent for future developments by demonstrating the feasibility and impact of pursuing multiple certifications with a focus on both sustainable and healthy building practices.
Learn more about this healthy & sustainable living space at solismidtown.com →
Curious about enhancing your next project’s efficiency and wellness features with green and healthy building certification(s)? Have a question about how your project can meet its ESG or GRESB goals? Schedule a meeting to reach out for a free project review.
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About Us
North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.
