BentallGreenOak Receives Fitwel Viral Response Certifications for the Most Number of Properties in Canada, Leading Efforts to Mitigate the Spread of Infectious Disease and Support a Safe Return to the Workplace

BentallGreenOak (BGO) announced today that it has achieved Fitwel Viral Response Certification with distinction for 50 of its office and retail assets, representing the largest portfolio of commercial real estate properties in Canada to achieve the industry-leading certification. This record-setting achievement brings the Center for Active Design’s (CfAD) Fitwel Viral Response Module (VRM) standard to BGO’s managed portfolio across Canada, including the first buildings to achieve this standard in Montreal, QC., Winnipeg, MB., Mississauga, ON. and Gatineau, QC. Fitwel’s third party certification of BGO properties’ operations, policies and practices confirms their preparedness to mitigate the spread of infectious disease and safeguard occupant health and wellness.

“Across Canada, BentallGreenOak’s investment management and real estate management teams have mobilized to deliver the highest standard of best practices and policies to our properties and the tenants who rely on us to enable a safe and healthy return to the workplace,” said Keith Major, Managing Partner and Head of Canadian Real Estate Management for BentallGreenOak. “We are investing in upgrades and adapting to the best science-driven guidance available to us to earn the trust of our tenants and become an active, engaged and empathetic partner in their return to our BGO-managed properties.”

Fitwel's VRM was developed in coordination with leading public health experts and real estate companies to effectively address the unique challenges associated with COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious respiratory diseases. The VRM allows building owners, companies, and commercial tenants to demonstrate compliance with evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that mitigate viral transmission and build trust to create healthy and resilient environments for all occupants. BGO has been on the frontlines of driving property-level progress in confronting the challenges of COVID-19 through the firm’s involvement as an industry advisor and early adopter of these strategies.

“BGO’s continued progress in achieving VRM certification throughout its portfolio demonstrates an unwavering commitment to tenant health and well-being,” said Joanna Frank, President and CEO of the Center for Active Design. “We applaud BGO for understanding the important role property owners have in safeguarding occupant health and cultivating tenant trust. BGO is a leader in the healthy building movement and, as a Fitwel Champion, contributes to our shared commitment to building health for all.”

About BentallGreenOak

BentallGreenOak is a leading, global real estate investment management advisor and a globally-recognized provider of real estate services. BentallGreenOak serves the interests of more than 750 institutional clients with approximately $69 billion USD of assets under management (as of June 30, 2021) and expertise in the asset management of office, industrial, multi-residential, retail and hospitality property across the globe. BentallGreenOak has offices in 24 cities across twelve countries with deep, local knowledge, experience, and extensive networks in the regions where we invest in and manage real estate assets on behalf of our clients in primary, secondary and co-investment markets.

BentallGreenOak is a part of SLC Management, which is the alternatives asset management business of Sun Life.

The assets under management shown above include real estate equity and mortgage investments managed by the BentallGreenOak group of companies and their affiliates. As of 1Q21, BentallGreenOak changed its definition of Total AUM to include certain uncalled capital commitments for discretionary capital until they are legally expired and continue to exclude certain uncalled capital commitments where the investor has complete discretion over investment.

For more information, please visit www.bentallgreenoak.com

About Fitwel and the Center for Active Design

Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all®. Generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design (CfAD), a global not-for-profit organization, maintains the Fitwel standard and conducts objective third-party assessments that lead to certified projects. CfAD’s new business unit, Adai (pronounced “a-DAY”), is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market, administering the program while providing best-in-class customer service and technical support. To learn more about Fitwel, please visit: www.fitwel.org.

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