DREAM OFFICE REIT (TSX: D.UN) (“Dream Office” or the “Trust”) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as Canada’s largest commercial portfolio to earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating for 25 buildings across Canada totalling 4.6 million square feet or 87% of the Trust’s Canadian gross leasable area. Throughout its expansive portfolio in Toronto, Mississauga and Calgary, Dream Office has implemented a wide range of protocols and design solutions to ensure a safe and healthy return, from upgraded air filtration systems to enhanced cleaning protocols and reducing contact of high-touch surfaces, which have met rigorous and thorough criteria set out by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
Developed by the IWBI and launched in June 2020, the WELL Health-Safety Rating, is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating to address a post-COVID-19 environment. The WELL Health-Safety Rating helps guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging insights drawn from over 600 experts across the globe as part of the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19 spanning public health experts, virologists, government officials, academics, business leaders, architects, designers, building scientists, and real estate professionals.
“Creating healthy and positive buildings has always been a cornerstone of our Dream Office approach. Over the pandemic, this has never been more important – we have proactively made investments in new technologies and put in place extensive measures to ensure a healthy and safe return to our buildings,” says Gordon Wadley, COO of Dream Office REIT. “We are proud to be a leader in Canada, achieving the highest standards in health and safety at this remarkable scale through IWBI’s leading rating process. The third-party verification of our operational and maintenance policies, communications and engagement, and emergency preparedness plans ensures all of our occupants can feel safe and confident in our buildings emerging from this pandemic, whether it’s a boutique heritage building or a downtown high-rise.”
In order to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Dream Office has developed tailored Better Together plans for each building detailing a number of new features to address the return to office. Infrastructure improvements across all buildings include: upgrade of all air filtration systems with the highest efficiency MERV filters wherever possible, installation of UV light technologies, treatment of high-contact surfaces with anti-microbial solutions, and consistent measurement and monitoring of air and water quality, among others. Comprehensive contact minimization strategies have also been implemented, such as: social distancing markers, wayfinding signage, and separation of pedestrian entry and exits.
Through the Dream+ app, tenants can access real-time updates about their building, learn about the enhanced protocols and features, as well as communicate with Dream Office directly on any questions or requests.
See Figure 1, 350 Bay Street, Toronto, Well Rating, Dream Office REIT
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“We are honoured to pave the way in Canada’s facility operations and real estate development industries with today’s announcement, reflecting the combination of our forward-thinking measures along with comprehensive tenant support programs,” says Hanley Koo, Director, Client Services at Dream Office REIT. “Our buildings will proudly showcase the WELL-Health Safety Seal, displaying our commitment to health, wellness and safety. Across the country, tenants and visitors alike will understand we are taking a people-first approach, rooted in evidence and global expertise.”
Source: Business Wire