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The BOMA BEST certification has become an essential standard for owners and managers seeking to demonstrate the environmental performance of their operating buildings. Created by BOMA Canada, this national certification measures the real sustainability of a building through rigorous criteria, while delivering tangible benefits in decarbonization, energy optimization, regulatory compliance, climate change adaptation, and value creation.
BOMA BEST is a national program designed to measure, assess, and improve the performance of existing buildings. It applies to most commercial, institutional, industrial and mixed-use buildings that have been in operation for at least twelve months. Single-family residences and certain residential buildings are excluded.
Unlike other environmental certifications that focus mainly on design and construction, BOMABEST—like ZBC Performance and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED O+M)—targets buildings in operation. It evaluates actual operational performance, with a results-driven, evidence-based approach. In its latest version, BOMA BEST V4.1, the program also encourages tenant and occupant engagement as part of a collective effort to improve building performance.
The main program, BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings, covers the building types mentioned above and awards certification across five progressive levels: Certified, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level reflects how closely the building aligns with BOMA BEST’s efficiency criteria.
A second program, BOMA BEST Smart, focuses on digital transformation to optimize operations, promote sustainability, and generate financial value.
The certification is based on a comprehensive evaluation across six key performance areas: energy and carbon efficiency, water management, indoor air quality and risk management, accessibility and well-being, cleaning and waste management and finally, resilience and site.
This integrated framework provides a practical roadmap to improve the overall performance of buildings, addressing both technical factors and human needs.
The benefits of BOMA BEST go far beyond environmental recognition. Studies have shown that certified buildings consistently outperform non-certified ones, with resale values up to 13.8% higher, average rents about 7% higher, and vacancy rates 3.5% lower.
From an operational standpoint, energy savings can reach up to 35% when combined with ENERGY STAR certification, with comparable reductions in carbon emissions. These tangible results help asset managers streng then their ESG positioning while delivering a measurable return on investment.
BOMA BEST certification also opens the door to financial incentives, including government grants, tax credits, and local property tax reductions. It can also make access to green financing easier—a growing priority in today’s real estate market.
BOMA BEST certification is especially relevant during building modernization projects, asset repositioning, or portfolio value enhancement. It is also increasingly driven by regulatory requirements, particularly regarding energy performance, carbon, or indoor air quality.
It provides a clear structure for identifying gaps, planning improvements, mobilizinginternal teams, and achieving credible, certifiable environmental targets.
Costs vary depending on the building’s size, complexity, and current system conditions. Generally, certification fees payable to BOMA Canada range from $6,000 to$35,000. Technical audits covering energy, water, waste, and indoor air quality typically cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Professional support fees formanaging the process range from $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the scope oft he mandate.
It’s also wise to budget for implementing recommendations—often minor, low-cost improvements that pay for themselves quickly.
At TST, we have developed a structured, streamlined, and collaborative approach to guide our clients through every stage of BOMA BEST certification. Our support includes initial practice assessments, data collection, gap analysis, improvement planning, coordination with technical teams, and complete submission management.
We also handle the required technical audits—including energy, water, waste, indoor air quality, and climate risk assessments—through our integrated, multidisciplinary team. Delivering these services in-house ensures consistency, technical rigor,and optimal coordination throughout the process.
Our strengthlies in tailoring strategies to each building’s reality while maintaining ahigh level of precision and documentation. This maximizes the chances of achieving top certification scores while minimizing client effort.
Earning BOMABEST certification is more than a marketing move. It’s a clear commitment to environmental performance, a way to enhance your building’s market appeal, anda concrete step toward decarbonization and reduced operating costs—all while meeting ESG goals for clients and investors.
Have a projectin mind, a building to upgrade, or ESG targets to reach? Let’s talk.
* Sources : BOMA BEST
