RiverRock Targets Fitwel Viral Response Module Certification

Orange County-based property management firm RiverRock Real Estate Group is targeting a Fitwel Viral Response Module Certification. The certification promotes healthy design based on operational practices and was released in response to the pandemic.

“This new certification was developed by the Center for Active Design, an organization that promotes health through building design,” Janice Church, regional vice president, RiverRock Real Estate Group, tells GlobeSt.com. “It is focused on operational facility management practices, not on design. The certification was released in response to the needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating viral transmission of all kinds.”

To secure the certification, RiverRock will need to demonstrate its response to the pandemic and its defense against viruses. “This entity certification recognizes a corporation’s approach and intention around mitigating viral transmission within a managed portfolio. It covers matters of building operations, occupant communication and property management practices,” says Church. “We are working to complete our application by the end of January and anticipate offering the certification service to our clients and managed buildings by March.”

In addition to supporting client needs and safety concerns through the pandemic, the certification has several benefits. Church lists several, including communicating RiverRock managed buildings are safe and open for business, she says. Following the pandemic, health and safety concerns will continue to be a top priority for tenants. This certification will “differentiate RiverRock managed buildings in the marketplace during a time of uncertainty and help communicate asset quality/safety during future leasing efforts,” says Church, who hopes the certification will help to swiftly re-populate buildings where needed.

Last year, RiverRock took several initiatives to respond to the pandemic. In addition to this certification, it also launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee to address and increase diversity in the company and establish initiatives and expand recruitment training of more diverse candidates at all levels.” The firm is now working to develop partnerships and resources regionally to ensure that RiverRock continues to attract talent that supports diversity, equity and inclusion,” says Church. “This will be part of our focus as we grow our team in L.A.”