TORONTO, Ont.
Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder, today announced it has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating (WELL HSR) across its global office portfolio through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
Verified for each individual asset, Oxford has achieved WELL HSR for 47 properties across its North America, Australia and Europe office portfolios—including Berlin’s Sony Center, which becomes Germany’s first office building to attain the rating.
Developed by IWBI, creators of WELL—the world’s leading health-focused building standard—WELL HSR was specifically designed in response to COVID-19, incorporating guidance from the WHO and U.S. CDC. It focuses on six main health-safety themes of: Cleaning and Sanitization, Emergency Preparedness, Health Service Resources, Air & Water Quality, Communication and Innovation. WELL HSR is achieved through adherence to scientifically-backed best practices proven to safeguard the health and safety of customers, employees and stakeholders as buildings become increasingly re-occupied.
“Achieving one of the world’s largest portfolios of WELL Health-Safety Rated office buildings is an impressive validation of not only the quality of our assets, but also how we operate them,” commented Chad Remis, Executive Vice President, North America, Oxford Properties. “Customers and employees expect healthy buildings, and this certification gives an additional seal of approval to our occupants as they continue to return to the workplace.”
To achieve WELL HSR, each recognized asset was required to meet quantitative benchmarks, and ensure adherence to specific protocols—many of which were already standard practice throughout Oxford’s portfolio. This includes benchmarked testing of air quality—fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ozone and carbon dioxide. Additional measures, such as a comprehensive return to work plan, an HVAC engineering assessment, and robust health and wellness offerings provides occupants with some of the healthiest possible indoor environments.
“In order to have well run buildings, the wellness of the most important assets within them—the people—is essential,” said Claire Santamaria, Head of Human Resources, Oxford Properties. “Creating safe and healthy spaces for our tenants, guests and employees has always been a priority for us at Oxford. Having achieved WELL HSR across our office portfolio globally, we have doubled down on that conviction, ensuring all our occupants know and feel they are safe within our walls.”
