(WASHINGTON, DC) -- The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has taken a leaf from academia. BOMA is going to grade commercial properties. 

The higher the grade, the more perceived value the property will have.
 
At least, that's what the newly launched BOMA 360 Performance Program hopes property owners will acknowledge.

The new program is designed to recognize commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in building operations and management.
 
BOMA International Chair and Chief Elected Officer Richard D. Purtell says the BOMA 360 Performance Program is an online self-assessment that will evaluate properties on six major areas of building management.

"The program comes at a critical time, as building owners and managers are looking to differentiate themselves from competition in a tight market," Purtell says.

The program is "truly revolutionary... (one) that will add value to commercial buildings at a crucial time," says Purtell. He is  portfolio manager at Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc.
 
"This program takes a holistic view of all aspects of excellence in building operations and management, making it unique to the marketplace today."

He says, "The holistic nature of the BOMA 360 Performance Program means that every aspect of building performance is assessed."

"Scores are based on how buildings measure up to an extensive checklist of best practices, including emergency and disaster planning and recovery plans, energy management, financial management, equipment maintenance and education and training."
 
Properties are evaluated in the following areas: Building operations and management; life safety, security and risk management; training and education; energy;  environment and sustainability; and tenant relations and community involvement.

"The BOMA 360 Performance Program allows our firm to showcase and distinguish our managed properties in the marketplace," says BOMA International Vice Chair Ray H. Mackey, Jr., RPA, CPM, CCIM, chief operating officer and partner, Stream Realty Partners, L.P.

"By focusing on all major aspects of building operations and management, BOMA 360 provides a multi-faceted benchmark comparing each building to the industry's best operating practices.

"Recognition as a BOMA 360 Performance Building provides validation for management teams, confidence for building owners and peace of mind for building tenants."

The first class of BOMA 360 Performance Buildings will be honored at the June 29 General Session of the 2009 BOMA International Conference & The Office Building Show in Philadelphia, Pa.

Founded in 1907, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations.

The 18,000-plus members of BOMA International own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties in North America and abroad.

Purtell says  BOMA's mission is "to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information."  

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