According to data from the Polish Green Building Council (PLGBC), Poland already has more than 2,030 projects with international sustainability certifications. Despite the growing popularity of the strict guidelines of the WELL Building Institute, WELL certified buildings (with certificates awarded to a building or interior) constitute a mere 1%. As new buildings account for a majority of 20+ certified projects, the precertification has earned New Saski Crescent a place in an elite club.
Mariola Bitner, Head of Workplace Strategy, Cushman & Wakefield Poland: “I am very pleased that we have structured tools to assess the impact of workspaces not only on the natural environment, but above all on the wellbeing and health of users. As the wave of refurbishments of older buildings is gathering strength, it is vital that investors such as CA Immo take a comprehensive approach to the health and wellbeing of tenants as a goal of certification.”
A benchmark example of a retrofit
New Saski Crescent, which has in recent months gone through a multi-faceted metamorphosis, is an excellent example to follow by other buildings scheduled for refurbishment, say the experts. Such a revamp involves not only a redesign of the interior of a building and its functional uses, but also taking a broader look at it to enable tenants to create a sustainable and healthy workplace.
The WELL precertification has confirmed that the building meets the highest standards for user health and wellbeing and minimal environmental impact.
Mariola Bitner from Cushman & Wakefield notes that certification of a modernised building is a very time-consuming process that requires an understanding and engagement of both its landlord and designers, engineers, construction teams and consultants. The expert cites the commitment to ensuring high indoor air quality as an example – this calls for the use and incorporation of high-tech equipment into existing infrastructure and for regular measurements and optimisation.
Małgorzata Mirota-Karp, Deputy Chief Sustainability, WSP, also notes the challenges of such a project: “WELL certification, especially for a standing building under refurbishment, is an exceptionally difficult challenge. The role of WSP as a WELL AP involved in the certification process is to advise project teams on appropriate solutions and to ensure that projects meet the highest standards and comply with WELL requirements. We are delighted that our team was able to contribute to the project’s success through our support and expertise.”
Thanks to the digital solutions used and the adaptation of the building’s infrastructure, New Saski Crescent has already received WiredScore Platinum. CA Immo is also planning to apply for BREEAM certification.