UPEI receives BOMA BESt certification for 22 campus buildings
The University of Prince Edward Island became the only University in Atlantic Canada to receive BOMA Building Environmental Standards (BESt) Certification from the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada for its main campus buildings.
UPEI sought this third party certification as the application process itself helps assess how well buildings are performing and includes suggestions for tangible ways to improve, leading to healthier workplaces and sustainable building development and management practices.
Dave Taylor, PEng, manager of environmental services at UPEI said, 'We knew that by going through the process, we would learn where further advancements could be made, and set benchmarks for ourselves, in keeping with our existing plan of improving UPEI's environmental footprint.'
He added that the certification recognizes UPEI's environmental stewardship efforts, and is reflective of the values of UPEI students, staff, and faculty. 'This allows us to show our commitment to sustainability and environmental change on campus, it's the right thing to do.'
BOMA BESt is a national environmental certification program, overseen by BOMA Canada, for existing commercial buildings, evaluating environmental performance and management practices. Representatives from BOMA New Brunswick's Association recently presented the University with 22 BOMA BESt certificates for each building that earned the designation.
The BOMA BESt Program offers four levels of certification - levels 1 through 4. UPEI's certified buildings attained either level 1 or 2 certification. Each building had to meet a series of 14 ‘BESt Practices,' including conducting energy and water audits along with providing each building's written policies on energy management, water reduction, waste reduction, emissions and effluents, indoor environment and environmental management.
To achieve higher levels of certification (2-4), the building must also be assessed against a comprehensive set of questions that critically evaluate building performance across six key areas: energy, water, waste and site enhancements, indoor environment, emissions and effluents, and environmental management systems. Based on this analysis, a score for each section is assigned and an overall weighted score applied. Additionally, all certified buildings - regardless of level - must go through a third party verification process. The majority of UPEI's buildings achieved Level 2.
BOMA New Brunswick's president, Debbie McGrath said, 'Just the fact that UPEI cares enough to put the time and effort into sustainability, sends a clear message. To have all 22 buildings reach BOMA BESt Practices minimum standard is an incredible accomplishment.'
Melissa Peneycad, manager, environment and energy sustainability practices at BOMA Canada added, 'Achieving this certification clearly demonstrates UPEI's commitment to sustainability and positions the University as a campus others around the country should aspire to emulate. Congratulations on behalf of BOMA Canada.'
