Bridge Commercial Real Estate Awarded Prestigious WELL Health-Safety Rating for U.S. Office Properties
55 buildings across the country received leading certification for post-pandemic health and wellness
ATLANTA (Jan. 31, 2022) – Bridge Investment Group’s (Bridge) commercial brokerage subsidiary Bridge Commercial Real Estate announced today it has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for its office portfolio through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). 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 a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future.
“As the commercial real estate industry emerges from the pandemic, health and safety continue to be top of mind for our property managers, tenants and visitors,” said Bridge Commercial Real Estate CEO Jeff Shaw. “The WELL Health-Safety rating is an ideal way for owners to show how they have adapted to the times and demonstrate accountability. Bridge has made a commitment to implement evidence-based strategies that support the overall wellness of our properties as companies large and small continue to return to the office in greater numbers. Our team is honored to be recognized by the IWBI.”
Designed to empower owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to take the necessary steps in order to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, the WELL Health-Safety Rating can help guide users in preparing their spaces for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the buildings, as well as the broader community.
“We are thrilled to receive this certification for our award-winning buildings,” said Isela Rosales, managing director and head of ESG and sustainability. “Bridge has always put the health and safety of our office communities at the forefront of what we do, and we know this has become increasingly more important in this post-COVID world. ESG initiatives are paramount to our tenants and stakeholders, and the WELL Health-Safety solidifies our commitment to both.”
In order to achieve 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 achievement of the WELL Health-Safety Rating across its commercial brokerage office portfolio is a prime example of how leaders in the real estate industry are helping tenants and employees alike get back to the office with confidence that their health and safety have been at the center of every decision,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI’s President and CEO. "We congratulate the Bridge team for its deep commitment to people-first places, and look forward to working alongside them to make sure everyone, everywhere can benefit from spaces and places that enhance our health and well-being."
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, 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 the WELL Health-Safety Rating following the successful completion of third-party documentation review by GBCI to confirm it has met the feature specific intents and requirements.
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About Bridge Investment Group: Bridge is a leading, vertically integrated real estate investment manager, diversified across specialized asset classes, with approximately $31.8 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2021. Bridge combines its nationwide operating platform with dedicated teams of investment professionals focused on select U.S. real estate verticals: multifamily, affordable housing, seniors housing, office, development, logistics net lease, logistics properties, debt strategies and agency mortgage-backed securities.
About Bridge Commercial Real Estate: (“BCRE”) is a fast-rising player in the U.S. commercial office market that specializes in creating desirable, next-generation workspaces. BCRE provides world-class commercial office brokerage services, property management, accounting and commercial construction services for Bridge Office assets. With a proven blueprint that delivers long-term value for tenants and investors, our portfolio includes office properties uniquely positioned in dynamic, high-growth markets across the U.S. and continues to grow. We are laser focused on how companies work today – and will work tomorrow. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah, BCRE is a subsidiary of Bridge Investment Group.
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