Bridge Commercial Real Estate Awarded Renewal of Prestigious WELL Health-Safety Rating
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023
Bridge Investment Group’s (Bridge) commercial brokerage subsidiary Bridge Commercial Real Estate (BCRE) announced today it has earned renewal of the WELL Health-Safety Rating for 8,873,547 square feet of its U.S. office portfolio by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The prestigious distinction affirms that Bridge has maintained the requirements of the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which addresses consistent air and water quality management, cleaning and sanitization procedures, emergency preparedness programs, access to health service resources, and stakeholder engagement and communications.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address the current public health crisis and broader health and safety-related issues into the future. Renewal is a crucial step in any organization’s WELL Health-Safety Rating journey. It verifies a project that had previously been awarded the rating has actively sustained its designation and made necessary policy updates according to the latest evidence-based WELL requirements, which must be validated annually to be maintained.
“Bridge has made a commitment to employ evidence-based strategies that support the overall wellness of our properties for our tenants and visitors,” said Bridge Commercial Real Estate CEO Jeff Shaw. “The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an ideal way for Bridge to show how we have adapted to the fast-changing needs and focal points of today’s businesses while demonstrating accountability. Bridge has prioritized and executed a holistic wellness strategy for the benefit of our occupants, and to serve the needs of our modern tenants. Our team is honored to once again be recognized by the IWBI.”
Designed to empower owners and operators to take the necessary steps to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating can help guide users in preparing and instilling confidence in those who come through the buildings, as well as the broader community.
“We are thrilled to receive the renewal of this rating for our award-winning portfolio of buildings,” said Isela Rosales, managing director and head of ESG and sustainability. “Bridge continues to prioritize the health and safety of our office communities through thoughtful design and programming that promote productivity and a brighter future for the next generation of workers. Our tenants and stakeholders value ESG initiatives now more than ever, and our renewal of the WELL Health-Safety Rating solidifies our commitment to both.”
In order to achieve renewal of the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Bridge followed specific guidelines and implemented strict cleaning and sanitization procedures, emergency preparedness programs, stakeholder engagement and communication, health services resources, and air and water quality management.
“Bridge’s renewal of the WELL Health-Safety Rating across its commercial brokerage office portfolio is evidence of how leaders in the real estate industry are encouraging tenants and employees alike to return to the office, knowing their health and well-being remains a priority,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI’s President and CEO. "We congratulate the Bridge team for its continued commitment to upholding the integrity of people-first places.”
The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections, in addition to guidance on the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-making associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading academic and research institutions, as well as core principles already established by IWBI’s WELL Building Standard, the premier framework for advancing health in buildings and spaces of all kinds.
Bridge was awarded renewal of the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review to confirm it has met the feature specific intents and requirements.
For more information on the WELL Health-Safety Rating, please click here.
