Updating COVID-19 variances for BOMA BEST

More than 12 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, this global event has caused significant disruption in building operations due to a reduction in building occupant density as a result of public health and workplace safety measures. However, professionals have identified the best way to continue offering services while respecting safety guidelines.

While some work should be paused, much can be resumed. BOMA Canada has updated their guidance for answering questions in the BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings program. Consult the Updated Guidance for BOMA BEST – Impact of COVID-19 for more detail.

Answering BOMA BEST questionnaire

All BEST Practices and BOMA BEST questions have been reviewed and updated. The following approach is now required:

• Data Entry – Effective June 15, 2021: All performance results (EUI, WUI, ENERGY STAR Score) must be based on the most current data.
• New certifications – Effective Immediately: All in-person assessments and audits are expected to proceed (few exceptions). If an assessment or audit still cannot be completed due to COVID-19: 
  • Applicants must complete the Extended Deferral Request and upload BOMA Canada’s approval to the portal. The work can be deferred until December 31, 2021.

AND

• Applicants must upload the previously completed assessment/audit to answer “Yes” and receive points (exception for BEST Practices).

AND

• Applicants must complete and email the “BOMA BEST Variance Checklist & Future Commitment” document to the verifier and to verification@bomacanada.ca prior to verification (can be done once for all applicable questions).
• Previous certifications with deferrals until June 30, 2021 – Effective Immediately: If an assessment or audit was previously deferred due to COVID-19 restrictions (not due to occupant density), the updated work must be uploaded to the portal by the original deferral date of June 30, 2021. Waste Audits can be deferred until December 31, 2021 or until occupant density is 50%. 
  • Starting on July 1, 2021, BOMA Canada will conduct spot checks on previously deferred work to ensure the updates have been uploaded. If they have not been uploaded, the points will be removed, and the final score and level may be changed.

Verification

On-site verifications can continue provided the following three conditions have been met:

1. The region permits such activity;
2. The on-site representative agrees;
3. The verifier agrees. We encourage all parties 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, a remote verification can occur instead. Remote verifications are available in all jurisdictions and for all levels of BOMA BEST.

Consult the BOMA BEST FAQ for more information on the remote verification process.