Sterling Bay announced that six of its Chicago office properties have been certified by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) as having achieved WELL Health-Safety Rating. Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating that assesses the integrity of a commercial property’s operational procedures as it relates to reducing the risk of virus transmission and preparing for a healthy and safe return-to-office experience.
The certified properties include One Two Pru (East Loop), 111 N Canal (West Loop), 210 N Carpenter (Fulton Market), 311 W Monroe (Loop), 333 N Green (Fulton Market) and 600 W Chicago (River West).
“Achieving WELL Health-Safety Rating at six of our largest office assets in Chicago is a testament Sterling Bay’s deep commitment to preparing our properties for a safe and healthy return to the workplace,” said Andy Gloor, CEO of Sterling Bay. “By adhering to procedures that meet the world’s leading standard for best health practices, individuals who come through our spaces and see the WELL seal can now feel confident that we are taking every precaution possible to prioritize their well-being.”
As one of the first commercial property owner/management firms to achieve WELL Health-Safety Rating in Chicago, Sterling Bay and its certified office assets successfully completed a thorough review of several performance areas, including cleaning and sanitization, emergency preparedness, health service resources, air & water quality management and innovation. Upon meeting the requirements of WELL Health-Safety Rating, final certification was reviewed and verified by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the same organization that approves LEED certification.
“Sterling Bay’s achievement of WELL Health-Safety Rating is a great case study in how a portfolio of existing properties that already implemented high standards for operational practices took its health and safety efforts to the next level,” said Mohammad H. Abassi, building performance consultant with WSP. “WELL Health-Safety provides a unique opportunity for property owners to further enhance protocols, creating a healthier workplace while establishing an interface with tenants to educate them on the wellness features implemented within their environment.”
In addition to WELL Health-Safety Rating, Sterling Bay is also one of the first Chicago development and property management firms to pursue RESET, the world’s first sensor-based and performance-driven data standard and certification program for the built environment. The firm plans to announce details of its participation in this program in the coming months.
“As tenants begin to return to commercial properties across Chicago, initiatives like the WELL Health-Safety Rating enhance standards for the health and well-being of building users,” said Farzin Parang, executive director of Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago). “Sterling Bay’s early achievement of WELL Health-Safety Rating underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest health and safety protocols for tenants and communicates the Chicago industry’s unique focus on wellness and sustainability.”
