Behind every well-run commercial property is a team that is dedicated to learning and implementing industry best practices. For The RMR Group property management team at First Insurance Center in Hawaii’s capital city, earning a BOMA 360 Performance Program designation is the latest reflection of that commitment.
Situated near downtown Honolulu, the 204,063-square-foot Class A property boasts a newly renovated lobby, a mix of corporate and medical tenants and convenient access to retail, restaurants, the Honolulu Museum of Art, Straub Hospital and a public park. Adding to the property’s key features is a shiny new BOMA 360 designation that reminds its tenants and visitors that First Insurance Center has been evaluated and recognized for its industry-leading building management practices.
While preparing to apply for the BOMA 360 designation, the team was motivated to level up their on-site processes, including tracking real-time energy usage—making adjustments as necessary—and collaborating with The RMR Group’s national engineering team to monitor energy-saving progress.
The team also engaged tenants in these efforts, including promotion of The RMR Group’s ENERGY STAR® Challenge—a company-led competition focused on energy efficiency. They posted flyers throughout the building in elevators and suites, reminding tenants to turn off lights and recycle at the office, which not only fostered communication between the property team and tenants, but also contributed to First Insurance Center earning an impressive ENERGY STAR rating of 90.
The comprehensive BOMA 360 application criteria, which covers everything from life safety and security to occupant relations, also incentivized the team to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the building and facilitate training for staff on how to use it. “Although we hope the team never has to use it, having the AED on hand could help save a life one day,” explained Angie Hodge, senior property manager for The RMR Group.
The First Insurance Center team earned several points on the BOMA 360 application for pursuing continuing education opportunities. They completed the BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP) training and attended courses and seminars sponsored by both BOMA International and BOMA/Hawaii, along with more than two dozen hours of other real estate continuing education classes. Beyond the property’s BOMA 360 designation, the application process offered an opportunity for team members to grow professionally and learn from one another.
Notably, First Insurance Center recently became the first property in the state of Hawaii to earn the BOMA 360 designation. This accomplishment comes on the heels of The RMR Group closing out 2020 as the property management company with the second-most BOMA 360 designations within the program nationwide. The RMR Group, which is responsible for approximately 91 million square feet of commercial real estate throughout the U.S., has achieved significant strides in the BOMA 360 program over the years and now touts a total of 55 properties in their portfolio that boast the prestigious designation.
The team believes that First Insurance Center’s success in the BOMA 360 program could inspire other Hawaii property owners and managers to strive for the designation.
“This process was a great learning experience for our team and gave us an opportunity to showcase the management practices that we employ every day,” said Hodge. “We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and for being the first property in Hawaii with the BOMA 360 designation.”
The BOMA 360 program recognizes all-around excellence in building operations and management. The RMR Group continues to underscore their commitment to holistic operational excellence, especially with more BOMA 360 designations on the horizon for their portfolio.
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