Unico Properties LLC, together with its partners, has achieved Fitwel Viral Response Module (VRM) certification at the entity level. Unico also received approval from Fitwel for implementing VRM policies across more than 9 million square feet of its office portfolio including Lavaca Plaza in Austin. Unico is among the first to secure asset-level approval at scale, with 30 buildings in six markets having implemented the company’s viral response policies.

Cultivated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fitwel’s VRM certification was developed to establish best practices for mitigating the spread of contagious diseases, promoting methods such as increasing ventilation, providing personal hygiene materials, employing robust cleaning protocols, maintaining optimal humidity and filtering indoor air. While the VRM was developed in response to the pandemic, its strategies are not exclusive to COVID-19.

“Long before the onset of the global pandemic, we were committed to curating environments that foster the well-being of people and communities, and for almost 70 years, we have created places where people want to be,” said Brian Pearce, Unico Properties executive vice president, real estate services. “Pursuing and ultimately achieving the distinguished Fitwel VRM certification ensures that our portfolio is aligned with the latest research on viral mitigation and that we are empowered to implement effective strategies to ensure the healthiest possible work environment for our tenants, employees and visitors.”