BOMA BC leads in program development and advocacy More than a century of leadership and service representing building owners’ interests Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The Building Owners and Man- agers Association (BOMA) BC was the first to incorporate under the BOMA identity in Canada, giving it the status of the longest history in the country. The group celebrated its 100 th anniver- sary in 2011. BOMA BC is also one of the most active groups in Canada, leading the way through many of its initiatives. BOMA BC president Paul LaBranche says over the years the building stock has evolved from initially prominent individual ownership to corporate and pension fund owned assets maintained by large professional property manage- ment firms. “However, that original principle of BOMA representing the owners’ interest is still there.” Property management issues have, of course, also evolved through the last century. LaBranche says now there is a greater focus on tenant engagement and retention. Further, within building operations, energy and environmental matters are key items on the agenda and the building stock is becoming more multi-use in function. He says about 15 years ago BOMA recognized the need to be proactive in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility and so introduced BOMA BEST. Created in B.C. originally as ‘BOMA Go Green,’ the BOMA BEST® program has evolved into a highly successful national certification program for existing buildings based on pragmatic, rationale standards and verified performance measurement. 32 – January 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report The multi level recognition comes with new branding and enhanced software. Because the program is affordable and building owners recognize the value, LaBranche says the program has had great participation in all Canadian markets and continues to grow. Besides setting standards, BOMA BC works with government at all lev- els to ensure any regulatory proposals “have the input of the industry” and provide training and standards build- ing owners can work to achieve on a voluntary basis. “It provides an oppor- tunity to lead the industry towards where the trends are going.” Because the program is affordable and because building owners recog- nize the value, LaBranche says the program has had great success and continues to grow. At the heart of BOMA’s position, he says, is a belief that industry should lead and that government should be encouraged to support initiatives with appropriate programs and incentives. Rather than being reactionary, BOMA tries to lead government to- wards its next important directions. He says BOMA prefers a carrot (incen- tive) approach rather than a stick (pun- ishment) approach.