BOMA BC combines education and
advocacy as it encourages energy
efficiency and higher building standards
Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature
The first to incorporate under the BOMA identity in
Canada, and the longest running in the country, BOMA BC
is maintaining its position as one of the nation’s most ac-
tive, engaging members, continuing its work with various
government levels.

BOMA BC president Paul LaBranche says the associa-
tion has been busy lately working to maintain industry en-
thusiasm for energy conservation in the face of BC Hydro
cuts to energy efficiency incentives for commercial build-
ings. The association is also evaluating new federal govern-
ment plans for climate action and subsequent funding for
opportunities to partner with the province on energy effi-
ciency initiatives, LaBranche says.

“Preliminary discussions indicate a good understanding
of building ownership needs. In particular, BOMA is focus-
24 – Winter 2017 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report
ing on the small to medium sized building stock, typically
B and C classified, where adequate utility support and in-
centives has been lacking.”
BOMA BC has also partnered with the Ministry of
Labour on a comprehensive Labour Market Study.

LaBranche says the project consists of a five-phase re-
search study to determine the long-term manpower needs
and opportunities for all personnel in the commercial real
estate sector. “We are just completing the second phase
portion now and hope to complete the project by the end
of 2017.”
Beyond its provincial involvement, he says the associa-
tion is watching carefully how the federal government
plans to achieve its climate action goals. “One of the ideas
we hear federal government officials discussing is a regu-
latory approach which is a concern for our industry as it
adds to cost and can lead to unintended consequences,”
he said.





Though the impact of the recent U.S.

election is not yet evident, BOMA will
also be following announcements and
changes there for issues that may affect
its members.

LaBranche says BOMA BC works with
government at all levels to ensure any
regulatory proposals “have the input of
the industry” and provide training and
standards building owners can achieve
on a voluntary basis. “This approach cre-
ates the opportunity to transform our in-
dustry and create a more sustainable
future.” He says the association is also work-
ing to re-evaluate and improve its own
existing programs. BOMA BEST, a pro-
gram launched in B.C. more than 15
years ago, recently underwent a major
overhaul of content, branding and sys-
tem management.

The program, which now includes five
levels of certification, allows users to
“progress through the program and con-
tinually use the framework of the BEST
practices and full assessment” capabili-
ties to improve “environmental perform-
ance and management.”
From the base certified level, at which
buildings have achieved up to 19 per cent
on the assessment questionnaire,
through the bronze level (49 per cent), sil-
ver (79 per cent), gold (89 per cent) and
platinum levels (100 per cent), the pro-
gram helps building owners and man-
agers understand and evaluate their
performance in categories that include
use of energy, water, air quality, comfort
level, waste, and stakeholder engage-
ment. For more information about BOMA BC
and its programs, visit www.boma.bc.ca.

Providing First Class Contract
Janitorial Services
The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Winter 2017 – 25