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USER GUIDES
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS APPLICATION RESOURCES
Use the resources below to help you with your BOMA BEST Certification.
Single Stream https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/User-Guide-Single-Stream.pdf
Portfolio Stream – Building Manager ( https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2019-BOMA-BEST-User-Guide-Portfolio-Stream-Building-Manager.pdf )
Portfolio Stream – Portfolio Manager ( https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2019-BOMA-BEST-User-Guide-Portfolio-Stream-Portfolio-Manager.pdf )
Verification
BEST PRACTICES TEMPLATE
Templates are available to support the development of each BEST Practice.
These templates can be especially useful if the program, plan, or policy does not yet exist in the building. The BEST Practices do not need to be presented using this format, rather they are provided as a helpful guide.
5 STEPS TO SUCCESSFULLY USE THE TEMPLATES:
Select your building type from the list below
NOTE: Using a template does not necessarily mean the BEST Practice has been met. It must be appropriately completed.
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-3.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP05Eq.Tenants_Water-Communications-Plan_Template.docxBEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP09_HazBldg-Mat.-Mgmt-Program_Template-3.docx
BEST PRACTICE 10(A) Hazardous Chemical Product Management Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP10a_HazChem-Prod.-Mgmt-Program_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 12(A) Source Separation:
BEST PRACTICE 13 Waste Audit:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP13_Waste-Audit_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 14 Waste Reduction Work Plan:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP14_Waste-Reduction-Work-Plan_Template-2.docx
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program;
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-4.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
BEST PRACTICE 10(A) Hazardous Chemical Product Management Program:
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 12(A) Source Separation:
BEST PRACTICE 13 Waste Audit:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP13_Waste-Audit_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 14 Waste Reduction Work Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program:
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-2.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
BEST PRACTICE 10(A) Hazardous Chemical Product Management Program:
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 12(A) Source Separation:
BEST PRACTICE 13 Waste Audit:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP13_Waste-Audit_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 14 Waste Reduction Work Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program:
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-2.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
BEST Practice 10(B) Tenant Hazardous Chemical Product Management
Tenant Hazardous Chemical Product Management
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program:
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-2.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
BEST Practice 10(B) –
Tenant Hazardous Chemical Product Management
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template-1.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program:
BEST PRACTICE 1 Preventative Maintenance Program: https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-3.docx
BEST PRACTICE 2 Energy Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 3 Energy Management Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 4 Energy Reduction Targets:
BEST PRACTICE 5 Water Assessment:
BEST PRACTICE 6 Water Management Plan:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP05Eq.Tenants_Water-Communications-Plan_Template.docxBEST PRACTICE 7 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Plan:
BEST PRACTICE 8 Occupant Service Request Program:
BEST PRACTICE 9 Hazardous Building Material Management Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP09_HazBldg-Mat.-Mgmt-Program_Template-3.docx
BEST PRACTICE 10(A) Hazardous Chemical Product Management Program:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP10a_HazChem-Prod.-Mgmt-Program_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 11 Green Cleaning Program:
BEST PRACTICE 12(A) Source Separation:
BEST PRACTICE 13 Waste Audit:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP13_Waste-Audit_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 14 Waste Reduction Work Plan:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP14_Waste-Reduction-Work-Plan_Template-2.docx
BEST PRACTICE 15 Environmental policy:
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template.docx
BEST PRACTICE 16 Occupant Environmental Communication Program;
To download the template questionnaire copy please click below for the appropriate one:
With five levels of certification, users can progress through the Program and continually use the framework of the BEST Practices and full assessment to improve environmental performance and management.
Certified is awarded to buildings that have met the BEST Practices and have achieved up to 19% on the questionnaire.
Bronze is awarded to buildings that have met the BEST Practices and have achieved between 20 and 49% on the questionnaire.
Silver is awarded to buildings that have met the BEST Practices and have achieved between 50 and 79% on the questionnaire.
Gold is awarded to buildings that have met the BEST Practices and have achieved between 80 and 89% on the questionnaire.
Platinum is awarded to buildings that have met the BEST Practices and have achieved between 90 and 100% on the questionnaire.
FEES (see Field Guide, Fees section, for fee details)
Fees are subject to terms and conditions listed in BOMA BEST Program Policies
Application fees are effective January 1, 2023 unless otherwise stated.
They do not include applicable taxes.
Applicants must ensure they select the building assessment module in accordance with the BOMA BEST definitions for each asset type.
When calculating the building size to determine the application fee, include interior and/or underground parking in the building size. Do not include external parking.
Application fees listed in here include on-site verification fees, excluding travel where building(s) location is at a considerable distance from BOMA Canada or designate Local BOMA Association offices as per BOMA BEST Program Policy 6 (On-Site Verification: Additional Verification Costs).
BOMA Canada reserves the right to make changes to the Application Fees without notice. BOMA Canada will endeavour to the best of its ability to communicate new fees to applicants and the public.
Further information: contact BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or your Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream).
The portfolio program allows for a more economical certification where buildings are managed or owned by a single firm. BOMA Canada will review each portfolio to determine eligibility
Ongoing certification is dependent on the completion of an annual verification process.
An additional annual administration fee may apply for Light Industrial and Open Air Retail properties
If you are interested in joining the Portfolio Stream, please contact [email protected] for consideration or more information.
Not available in 2023 until the release of the next iteration of BOMA BEST Workplaces. Contact [email protected] for more information.
MARKETING YOUR CERTIFICATION
BOMA Canada and its local associations are pleased to provide currently certified buildings with exclusive access to BOMA BEST recognition material.
Promote your certification with custom material online and through a selection of available printed collateral.
MARKETING YOUR CERTIFICATION: LOBBY PLAQUES & SIGNAGE
BOMA Canada and its local associations are pleased to provide currently certified buildings with exclusive access to BOMA BEST recognition material available through PosterOne. The available items includes BOMA BEST customized recognition posters, banners, certificates, plaques, seals and decals.
Using PosterOne for your promotional material
There are two methods for obtaining BOMA BEST materials through PosterOne:
PosterOne “Print on Demand”: Once you have personalized your preferred poster or banner, place your order for the required size(s) and PosterOne will take care of the printing and delivery.
PosterOne “Digital”: Once you have personalized your preferred item, place your order for a print-ready PDF in the required size(s) through the checkout process and you will be sent an electronic file to be printed by your preferred/local printer.
For more information on the available products, and to place an order, click here. https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMABEST-English-Brochure-2023_NoCrop_NoBleef.pdf
Once you are registered with PosterOne, please visit PosterOne to see the full suite of posters and banners available to BOMA BEST certified buildings.
MARKETING YOUR CERTIFICATION: DIGITAL INFOGRAPHICSPromote your certification across all your social media accounts with infographic banners, covers and video!
Provided exclusively by BOMA Canada, your customized infographic features:
a representation of the positive impact your certification has had on your ecological footprint
To help you share your achievement we provide a media pack with your infographic pre-sized for best responsive fit across social media platforms, including:
Available now for $750 – includes full media package and video.
PROGRAMS
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
Single Building
The Single Building stream of the BOMA BEST® Sustainable Buildings program is designed for those who prefer to pay a one-time fee for a three year certification. Upon expiry of the building, applicants will be required to register anew, paying a new fee, in order to obtain a recertification.
Once certified, applicants are granted continuous access to the BOMA BEST® Online Portal. Here you can update your monthly utility data to help track energy and water performance over time, as well as update your questionnaire when improvements are made to the building to see how this may affect your score upon recertification.
This program is based on an online application via the BOMA BEST® Online Portal and is administered by the Local Association (i.e. invoicing and verification scheduling). Multiple buildings can be registered via the Single Buildings stream. All asset classes are eligible to participate: Office, Enclosed Shopping Centre, Light Industrial, Open Air Retail, Universal buildings, Multi-Unit Residential Buildings and Health Care Facilities.
Portfolios
The Portfolio Program stream of the BOMA BEST® Sustainable Buildings program is designed for applicants who prefer to pay an annual fee for ongoing certification. This stream was developed to provide a cost-effective yet rigorous method for continuous BOMA BEST® certifications for portfolios of properties at all levels of certification.
Participants in the Portfolio Program are invoiced annually. Certification never expires provided verification is successful and the annual fee is received. Verification occurs on an annual basis. Buildings may be added or removed from the Portfolio as needed.
This stream is based on an online application via the BOMA BEST® Online Portal and is administered by BOMA Canada (i.e. invoicing and verification scheduling). All asset classes are eligible to participate: Office, Enclosed Shopping Centre, Light Industrial, Open Air Retail, Universal buildings, Multi-Unit Residential Buildings and Health Care Facilities.
For more information about the Portfolio Program stream, download the BOMA BEST®Portfolio Program Guide.
BUILDING DEFINITIONS
Each property must be evaluated using the correct questionnaire. Review the definitions below to identify your building type based on the primary use of it’s Gross Floor Area (GFA).
If your building is composed of multiple structures, find out if it can be assessed using one questionnaire here.
OFFICE
To be eligible for this module 75% of the building’s use must meet the Office Module definitions listed below (25% can be dedicated to other usage). The building’s floor area must be greater than 5,000 square feet.
Office Building: A property providing environments conducive to the performance of management and administrative activities, accounting, marketing, information processing, consulting, human resources management, financial and insurance services, educational and medical services and other professional services.
Financial Office: Buildings used for financial services such as bank headquarters and securities and brokerage firms.
Buildings that meet the definition for the Office Module but not the minimum size requirement must use the Universal Module. Veterinary Offices must use the Universal Module. Medical Offices must use the Health Care Module.
Definitions sourced from NAIOP Terms & Definitions: North American Office & Industrial Market and Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
ENCLOSED SHOPPING CENTRES
To be eligible for this module 75% of the building’s use must meet the Enclosed Shopping Centre Module definition listed below (25% can be dedicated to other usage).
Enclosed Shopping Centre: Refers to a retail property that is planned, built, owned and managed as a single entity, comprising commercial rental units (CRU) and common areas, with a minimum size of 10,000 square feet ( GLA) and a minimum of three CRUs. On-site parking is also generally provided.
Enclosed Shopping Centre types include but are not limited to:
Definitions sourced from CANADIAN RETAIL REAL ESTATE STANDARD: A Framework for Shopping Centre and Other Retail Format Definitions.
OPEN AIR RETAIL
To be eligible for this module 75% of the building’s use must meet the Open Air Retail Module definition listed below (25% can be dedicated to other usage).
Open-Air Retail: Refers to configurations where there is no indoor common space, and stores may be unconnected or attached in a strip or row type of fashion. This type of property may also be called a Strip Mall.
Open Air Retail types include but are not limited to:
Definitions sourced from CANADIAN RETAIL REAL ESTATE STANDARD: A Framework for Shopping Centre and Other Retail Format Definitions.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (WORKSHOPS AND WAREHOUSES)
To be eligible for this module 75% of the building’s use must meet the Light Industrial Module definition listed below (25% can be dedicated to other usage).
Industrial Building: A facility in which the space is used primarily for research, development, service, production, storage or distribution of goods and which may also include some office space (no more than 25% of the space can be dedicated to office usage).
Definitions sourced from NAIOP Terms & Definitions: North American Office & Industrial Market and aligned with Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (MURBS)
To be eligible for this module 75% of the building’s use must meet the Multi-Unit Residential Building Module definition listed below (25% can be dedicated to other usage).
Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB): A building comprised of a common entrance and separate units that are also known as apartments constructed for dwelling purposes. Multi-Unit Residential Buildings must have one primary exterior door access, with each of the apartments connected by an interior door. All of the units must connect to each other (or a central corridor) by some interior door for purposes of a blower door test.
Categories for MURBs include:
This definition applies only to multifamily housing or independent living (i.e., retirement) communities. Buildings that meet the definition for a Hotel, Residence Hall/Dormitory, Single Family Home, or other type of lodging or residential facility must use the Universal Module (definitions from Energy Star Portfolio Manager).
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
To be eligible for this module 50% of the building’s use must meet the Health Care Module definitions listed below (50% can be dedicated to other usage).
Hospital: The Hospital designation applies to general medical and surgical hospitals, critical access hospitals, and children’s hospitals. These facilities provide acute care services intended to treat patients for short periods of time including emergency medical care, physicians’ office services, diagnostic care, ambulatory care, surgical care, and limited specialty services such as rehabilitation and cancer care.
To qualify as a Hospital, the following requirements must be met:
Facilities that use more than 50% of the gross floor area for long-term care, skilled nursing, specialty care, and/or ambulatory surgical centers OR that have less than 50% of their beds licensed for acute care services are not considered eligible hospitals under this definition.
Medical Office Building: A Medical Office Building designation applies to buildings that meet the following requirements:
More than 50% of total facility space is used primarily to provide diagnosis and treatment (no major surgery) for medical, dental, or psychiatric outpatient care;
These facilities do not operate on a 24/7 basis.
Long term care facilities (include residential care, senior care, and outpatient rehabilitation/physical therapy): Also called “acute inpatient health care facilities”, these facilities provide permanent rehabilitative, restorative, and/or ongoing skilled nursing care to patients or residents in need of assistance with activities of daily living.
A Long Term Care facility designation applies to buildings that meet the following requirements:
Facilities where more than 50% of the space is not dedicated to long term acute care, such as retirement communities that offer only independent living, are not considered eligible under this definition and must use the Multi-Unit Residential Building module (definition from Energy Star Portfolio Manager).
UNIVERSAL
The Universal Building Module was developed to cover a range of facilities that fall under a variety of building types. There are no use restrictions or size restrictions applicable to the selection of the Universal Module.
Definitions sourced from Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
ENERGY IN BOMA BEST 3.0
BOMA BEST 3.0 IS INTEGRATED WITH ENERGY STAR PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Energy benchmarking is performed using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager methodology.
There are two ways to enter energy (and water) consumption data to obtain points
An FAQ on ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in BOMA BEST 3.0 is available here. https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ENERGY-STAR-Portfolio-Manager-FAQ.pdf
WASTE IN BOMA BEST 3.0
WASTE AUDITS ARE A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF BOMA BEST 3.0
Improving the performance of waste management in a building requires knowledge regarding the nature and mass of waste collected on-site. While it is possible to have a rough idea of the diversion rate based on data provided by waste haulers in regards to materials destined for landfill, those that can be recycled and composted, this information is not always based on weighted data, making a reliable analysis of a building’s performance impossible.
As part of the 3.0 BEST Practices, applicants must complete a Waste Audit every three years. BOMA Canada has created a document detailing all requirements for complying with this BEST Practice:
In addition to the above, a document providing generalized guidance on conducting a waste audit has been created by BOMA Canada with the help of many stakeholders. The BOMA Canada Waste Auditing Guide ( https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMA-Canada-Waste-Auditing-Guide.pdf ) will provide readers with insights into practices recommended by the industry – these go above and beyond the Waste Auditing Requirements document.
2019 NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING REPORT
2019 BOMA BEST NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING REPORT
The National Green Building Report (NGBR) 2019 provides the first-ever analysis of buildings completing BOMA BEST 3.0, the brand new assessment released on a new online portal in September 2016.
Learn about the outstanding energy and water performance from this sample of buildings, in addition to our first look at how buildings are tackling resilience.
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2019-BOMA-NGBR-English-ART-Jan16.pdf
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMA-2019-NGBR-Key-Findings-Eng-ART-Dec17.pdf
2021 NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING REPORT
2021 BOMA BEST NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING REPORT
BUILDING ON SUSTAINABILITY
BOMA BEST™ Sustainable Buildings is North America’s most widely used environmental assessment and certification program.
It recognizes excellence in energy and environmental management and performance in the commercial real estate industry.
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMA-NGBR-2021-English-v2.pdf
BOMA BEST PROGRAM POLICIES
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 1 – APPLICATION FEES
BOMA BEST® Sustainable Buildings 3.0 application fees are listed at here. Where application fees are based on size of building by square footage, the following conditions must be met:
Total size of building shall be determined as the total Gross Floor Area (GFA).
The GFA must include the following areas:
The GFA must exclude the following areas:
This definition is consistent with ANSI/BOMA Standard Z65.3-2009.
The GFA used to calculate fees must be entered on the building registration page (“Create New” page) here:
Note: This definition is not consistent with the definition used to determine GFA for the purposes of benchmarking energy and water using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
BOMA Canada reserves the right to change the Application Fees from time to time. BOMA Canada and its Local BOMA Associations shall endeavour to communicate to BOMA Members and other BOMA BEST stakeholders prior to application fee change, but cannot guarantee a specific time period for such notice.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 2 – APPLICATION FEE REFUND
Applicants may obtain a refund for an application fee within the first thirty (30) days of the building’s registration provided verification has not been completed for the building.
Beyond the thirty (30) day period, no refunds will be provided. In the event where a building is sold to another company, the application fee remains with the building itself, not the management or owner company that originally registered it. The new management or owner companies may continue the building’s certification process at no additional costs provided the online application period is compliant with BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Program Policy 4 – Online Application Period. An application fee cannot be transferred to another building.
In all cases, no refund for an application fee shall be granted for the purpose of compensation where BOMA BEST certification was not achieved or where the desired level was not achieved after pursuing a Score Upgrade.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 3 – ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicable to all building types: Office, Enclosed Shopping Centre, Health Care, Light Industrial, Multi-Unit Residential Buildings, Open Air Retail, Universal.
Buildings shall be deemed eligible to participate in the BOMA BEST 3.0 certification program if all the following conditions are met at the time of application:
Occupancy rate represents the percentage of actively leased floor area compared to the total gross leasable area: (Average actively leased area in past 12 months / Total available Gross Leasable Area) x 100
Note 1: Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the occupant density – i.e., the number of occupants actually inside the building on a given day – may be variable. The variability of the occupant density should not have an impact on the building’s occupancy rate, which is dependent on leased space. Review the Guidance for BOMA BEST – Impact of COVID-19 for instructions on how to answer specific questions in light of the impacts of COVID-19.
Note 2: The eligibility requirement described here is applicable to BOMA BEST 3.0 exclusively. The eligibility requirement for participation in BOMA BEST 4.0 – the next iteration of BOMA BEST – will be communicated in 2022.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 4 – ONLINE APPLICATION PERIOD
Applicants will have a period of up to six (6) months to complete the BOMA BEST online assessment survey beginning on the date access has been granted to the online questionnaire.
If the building is not ready for verification after the six (6) month period, the Applicant can contact BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream) for an application period extension. Up to six (6) months can be given as an extension. If no extension is requested, BOMA Canada or the designated Local BOMA Association reserves the right to render the file inactive based on its best judgement but not before attempts are made to communicate with the Applicant.
Should an application become inactive due to an elapsed period of six (6) to twelve (12) months, the Applicant must contact BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream) to discuss reactivation.
In all cases, after twelve (12) months have elapsed from the date access was granted to the online assessment the file will be rendered permanently inactive. BOMA Canada or the Local BOMA Association may do so without prior contact with the Applicant. Applicants wishing to continue pursuing a BOMA BEST certification after the twelve (12) month period has elapsed on their original application will be required to pay a new BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings Application Fee. The Applicant may be required to use the most recent version of the BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings questionnaire.
Refunds for incomplete assessments cannot be issued, as per BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Program Policy 2 – Application Fee Refund.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 5 – ON-SITE VERIFICATION: MISSING DOCUMENTATION
Where a building application has been reviewed as part of an on-site verification tour and is not recommended for certification due to missing documentation and / or information; and whereby the Verifier conducting the on-site verification provides recommendations to meet the certification, then:
Notwithstanding the above clause 1; BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream), upon consultation with the Verifier, may, at its sole discretion, grant an applicant an extended period to gather required documentation and/or information by another thirty (30) days, if required, for a total of sixty (60) days following the on-site verification.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 6 – ON-SITE VERIFICATION: ADDITIONAL VERIFICATION COSTS
Travel Costs
Where, for the purposes of an on-site verification tour, an applicant’s building(s) is located at a considerable distance from BOMA Canada or the designated Local BOMA Association office, the applicant will be responsible for the payment of all applicable Verifier travel costs. The definition of “considerable distance” shall be determined by BOMA Canada or the designated Local BOMA Association.
Travel costs may include: flight, gas, car rental fees, accommodation and meals where applicable. Please consult with BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream) office prior to registering a building if there is concern that a building may be located at a “considerable distance” from a BOMA office.
Questionnaire revision
It is expected that the Verifier will have to amend some answers in the Verifier’s version of the questionnaire prior to finalizing the certification score as a result of the on-site visit and documentation review. A Verifier may amend up to twelve (12) answers within the questionnaire. If more than twelve questions require modification, this will incur an additional verification cost. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update the applicant version of the online questionnaire with these same changes, listed in the Final Verification Report.
Additional Review
Following the verification, the Verifier can assist the Applicant in understanding what documentation is still required to achieve certification. However, there can be no more than two (2) interactions with the Verifier focused on clarifying a question’s intent. Additional document review beyond the two (2) interactions will incur an additional verification cost.
Second on-site visit
In the event where a second on-site verification visit is required, this will incur an additional verification cost.
For more information on additional verification costs, contact BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream).
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 7 – VERIFICATION METHODOLOGY FOR ELIGIBLE OPEN AIR RETAIL OR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE PORTFOLIO PROGRAM
Each building within the Portfolio will be assessed with its own questionnaire. Verification will be based on sampling, as per ISO 17021:2006. In the case where a building does not meet the Level identified during registration, the Verifier will select a wider sampling of buildings to verify, as per ISO 17021:2006. All additional verification costs will be billed at an hourly rate plus disbursements, such as travel costs.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 8 – APPEALS PROCESS
Following the BOMA BEST verification, Applicants may launch a formal appeals process to contest a decision made by the Verifier in regards to the Applicant’s questionnaire.
To launch the appeals process, the Applicant must file a formal complaint or appeal with BOMA Canada (Portfolio Program stream) or the designated Local BOMA Association (Single Building stream) via email. The issue will be reviewed and resolved locally at the discretion of BOMA Canada or the Local BOMA Association. It is possible that the issue is submitted as a Technical Clarification Request. If necessary, the Applicant will be granted an extension to the thirty day verification period deadline (See BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Program Policy 5 – On-Site Verification: Missing Documentation).
The decision will be communicated directly to the Applicant. All decisions are final.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 9 – CERTIFICATION PERIOD FOR SINGLE BUILDINGS
The building will remain in the “Certified” status for a period of three (3) years from the date on which the Verification was deemed successful. The exact date of the certification will be available to applicants via the “Certifications” tab in the BOMA BEST Online Portal.
As a certification nears expiry, three reminders will be sent automatically by the Online Portal reminding applicants to begin the recertification process. Should the building become “Expired” access to the Online Portal becomes “read only” until such a time as the recertification is requested.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 10 – CERTIFICATION PERIOD FOR PORTFOLIO PROGRAM
Buildings in the Portfolio Program are moved to the “Certified” status (not the same as achieving a Certified certification Level) once the portfolio’s verifications are deemed successful. The exact date of the certification will be available to applicants via the “Certifications” tab in the BOMA BEST Online Portal.
Buildings will remain in this “Certified” status continuously (never moving to “Expired”) provided the following two conditions are met:
All verifications conducted on the sample are deemed successful. Each building will be verified on a three-year cycle (similar to the Single Building stream).
Payment of the annual fee is received.
Access to the BOMA BEST Online Portal remains available while the buildings are in the “Certified” state.
Certification will be applied to the Portfolio as a whole and to the individual properties. In the case where fees are not submitted within 60 days of the registration anniversary, BOMA Canada reserves the right to render all buildings within the Portfolio inactive. These buildings may be returned to “Certified” status once the fee has been collected.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 11 – CERTIFICATION CREDENTIALS
BOMA BEST certification is registered by building (property) not by its owner and/or Management Company (i.e. by Applicant). If the ownership and/or management of a BOMA BEST certified building changes, it is the responsibility of the existing or new owner and/or management companies to advise BOMA Canada or the designated Local BOMA Association of such a change.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 12 – RECERTIFICATION
For buildings in the Single Building stream, buildings may choose to recertify at any time. The building does not need to be in the “Expired” state to begin the process.
An applicant may recertify a building in accordance with the following terms:
Recertification fees shall be in accordance with the current BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Application Fees.
On-site verification is required for recertification (included in the recertification fee).
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 13 – PURPOSE OF BOMA BEST CERTIFICATION
The BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings program is a voluntary energy and environmental assessment and certification program, and therefore does not constitute a guarantee of a building’s performance and value for insurance, or valuation purposes. BOMA Canada does not take responsibility for any undue representation of a building’s performance and/or asset value made on the basis of its achieved BOMA BEST certification.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 14 – MANDATORY QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PLATINUM LEVEL VERIFICATIONS
To ensure the integrity of all BOMA BEST Certifications, every building that has achieved a Platinum level will be subject to a secondary verification by a BOMA Canada Verification Professional as part of the BOMA Canada quality assessment process.
BOMA Canada will initiate this process as soon as the original verifier notifies BOMA Canada of the score. BOMA Canada will endeavour to complete this step within a reasonable timeframe and with minimal interruption to the building manager. This secondary verification will occur remotely. Applicants may be contacted for additional information.
The score and level identified by the BOMA Canada Verification Professional will be considered the final score and may differ from the originally identified score.
This mandatory quality assessment of Platinum level certifications is applicable to buildings in the Single Stream and in the Portfolio Stream.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 15 – RANDOM QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF CERTIFIED, BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD LEVEL VERIFICATIONS
To ensure the integrity of all BOMA BEST Certifications, buildings that have achieved a Certified, Bronze, Silver or Gold level certification may be subject to a secondary verification by a BOMA Canada Verification Professional as part of the BOMA Canada quality assessment process.
BOMA Canada will notify the building manager that the building has been randomly selected to undergo this review prior to finalizing the certification. BOMA Canada will endeavour to complete this step within a reasonable timeframe and with minimal interruption to the building manager. This secondary verification will occur remotely. Applicants may be contacted for additional information.
The score and level identified by the BOMA Canada Verification Professional will be considered the final score and may differ from the originally identified score.
This random quality assessment is applicable to buildings in the Single Stream and in the Portfolio Stream.
BOMA BEST SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 3.0 PROGRAM POLICY 16 – BUILDING MANAGEMENT CHANGE
When a BOMA BEST certified building is removed or sold from a company’s portfolio, the following process will apply:
Administration
The Building Manager will change the Building Management company listed on the Registration page to the new building management company name (if known) or “To be assigned users/correct company” (if unknown).
The Building Manager will inform the BOMA Local Association (Single Stream) or BOMA Canada (Portfolio Stream). The BOMA Local Association will inform BOMA Canada
BOMA Canada will remove all users associated with the previous Management Company. It will no longer appear in that company’s building list.
Certification Status
Single Stream: The building will maintain its certification until the expiry date stated in the certification record. It will continue to appear in the Certified List under the new management name (if provided) until its expiry.
Portfolio Stream: The building will maintain its certification until the end of the calendar year. If the new company chooses to continue with the Portfolio Stream the building must be verified in the first year to retain its Bronze-Platinum certification level. If it is not verified, the certification level will be changed to Certified. It will continue to appear in the Certified List under the new management name (if provided).
Recertification
The new building manager may review the Scoring Summary provided in the Certification Record to understand the building’s previous performance.
Summary of updates:
TERMS OF USE
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GENERAL
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BENCHMARKING
WASTE AUDITING REQUIREMENTS
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMA-Canada-Waste-Auditing-Guide-1.pdf
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BOMA-BEST-Waste-Auditing-Requirements-1.pdf
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM) FAQ
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FAQ-pour-ENERGY-STAR-Portfolio-Manager.pdf
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ENERGY-STAR-Portfolio-Manager-FAQ-1.pdf
GENERAL BOMA BEST 3.0 AUDITS
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TCR-27-Age-of-energy-and-water-audits-1.pdf
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TCR-26-Environmental-site-assessments.pdf
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST FR
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Liste-de-verification-du-candidat.pdf
BOMA BEST 3.0 PRACTICE TEMPLATES
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP01_PM-Program_Template-1-3-1.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP02_Energy-Assessment_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP02Eq.2yr_Energy-Study_Template.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP03_Energy-Management-Plan_Template.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP04_Energy-Reduction-Target_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP05_Water-Assessment_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP06_Water-Management-Plan_Template.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP07_IAQ-Monitoring-Plan_Template.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP09_HazBldg-Mat.-Mgmt-Program_Template-4.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP11_Green-Cleaning-Program_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP12A_Source-Separation-Program_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP13_Waste-Audit_Template-2.docx
https://www.bomacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/BP15_Environmental-Policy_Template-2.docx
