Restarting BOMA BEST Verifications & Question Variances

As the country moves toward the next phase in its response to the COVID-19 health crisis, several provinces have begun re-opening businesses and services. In light of this progression, BOMA Canada is happy to announce that BOMA BEST verifications can resume at this time, though some modifications to the process may be required. Additionally, variances will likely be required when answering certain questions in the BOMA BEST assessment.

Consult the BOMA BEST FAQ for all details on COVID-19 related policies.

Verification

On-site verifications can resume starting immediately provided the following three conditions have been: 1) the region permits such activity, 2) the on-site representative agrees, and 3) the verifier agrees.

All parties are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to ensure they feel comfortable and safe moving forward, as well as follow all required guidelines associated with safe distancing and the use of personal protective equipment as mandated by the region.

If the conditions above cannot be met, BOMA Canada has piloted and approved a remote verification process.

Remote verifications are available in all jurisdictions and for all levels of BOMA BEST.

BOMA BEST verifiers will be in contact to make all arrangments for either an on-site or remote verification.

Answering BOMA BEST Questionnaire

Applicants can continue to answer all questions and obtain meaningful results; however, a few questions may require a modification in the approach. These include 5 BEST Practices and several questions in the assessment. Consult Guidance for BOMA BEST – Impact of COVID-19 for more detail.

Generally speaking:

• If the requirement has been part of regular operations in the past and the only factor inhibiting completion at this time is COVID-19 related, then BOMA Canada will accept a copy of a previous assessment and a signed commitment to complete the requirement by June 30, 2021. Points will be awarded.
• If the work cannot be completed and the requirement has not been previously completed, points cannot be awarded at this time.

Certification Expiry

Single Stream:

If the previous certificate expired after October 1, 2019, and BOMA BEST renewal fees have been paid, BOMA Canada will automatically extend the current certificate’s validity to December 31, 2020 to ensure continuity of certification. A new certificate will be issued after the verification is completed.

If the previous certificate expired before October 1, 2019, the certification can be renewed after BOMA BEST fees are paid and the verification is completed.

Portfolio Stream:

Individual certification within the BOMA BEST portal will be updated to ensure continuity of certification. Updated certificates will be issued to those buildings undergoing a verification in 2020 or as needed to demonstrate certification.

Consult the BOMA BEST FAQ for all details on COVID-19 related policies.