New SmartScore Certification Launched

The new SmartScore certification has recently been launched by WiredScore, the internationally recognised scheme for rating building connectivity.

What is SmartScore?

SmartScore was created to define what a smart building is and provide a clear set of standards to measure “smartness”. Research showed there was little agreement or understanding within the industry of what matters in a smart building, how to create one or even what makes it “smart”.

WiredScore has spent a year working with the WiredScore Smart Council, a team of over 90 tenants, landlords and other property professionals around the world, to develop the framework. WiredScore has also worked with BREEAM, LEED, RESET and WELL to create alignment with their certifications.

So, what is a Smart Building?

WiredScore states that smart buildings must put users first. The needs of users must be identified, then technological solutions implemented to meet them. The user is defined as anyone who benefits from the space, so primarily workers, but also visitors, building managers and even wider society.

Of course the end user is not always known during the early design and build phases, so landlords and developers are faced with the challenge of delivering “smart-enabled” buildings with the technological foundation for smart functionalities.

Wiredscore sets out four key outcomes for users:

An inspirational experience
A sustainable building
Cost efficiencies
Future-proof by design

Why do we need Smart Buildings?

WiredScore identifies three key trends driving the need for smart buildings:

1. Technology in everyday life

Our daily lives are now driven by data; it touches everything from exercise to entertainment. We are used to the level of speed, accessibility and convenience this data provides, and that expectation is now extending to our professional lives. In a survey carried out by WiredScore, 79% of office workers said they would like to work within a technologically advanced office.

“A tech-enabled environment isn’t just nice-to-have for the working world, it’s essential”

2. Changing working habits

Modern working habits are collaborative and driven by technology. Video conferencing, shared documents and synched diaries are considered essential to the modern worker, yet workplaces have generally been slow to adapt to the increased dependence on technology. The pandemic has irreversibly altered the landscape and brings fresh challenges for landlords, who must now seek news ways to attract tenants back to offices. Smart buildings will play a key role in creating attractive workplaces which facilitate efficient and collaborative work.

3. Climate Crisis

Tackling climate change is a global imperative, and buildings (and their associated emissions) contribute nearly 40% of all global emissions. Operating emissions account for almost three quarters of that figure, so reducing them will have a huge impact on climate change. Technology will play a key role in optimising building operation and reducing waste.

Functions of Smart Buildings

WiredScore has set out six key functions of smart buildings:

Individual and collaborative productivity Enabling efficiency and effectiveness through features such as automatic visitor check-in, meeting room and desk booking.
Health and wellbeing Creating safer and healthier work environments through building technology such as air quality monitoring and climate control.
Community and Services Providing access to services such as deliveries and accessibility options and creating a sense of community by providing access to local amenities.
Sustainability Reporting on and improving the sustainability of the building e.g. tracking and optimising energy usage, waste management and providing electric vehicle charging points.
Maintenance and Optimisation Using detailed performance data to optimise the building’s space and systems.
Security Using more advanced systems to create a safer workplace.

What we can offer

Offices still offer things that remote work cannot, however workers’ expectations are higher than ever. With only a handful of buildings in the UK currently committed to the SmartScore certification, investing in smart technology offers an opportunity to stand out.

CWC offers consulting and support services for our clients wishing to obtain certification for their projects. We can provide advice and guidance on the design of future-proofed new developments or the upgrade of their existing buildings, together with technical support through the certification process.

CWC can also add value through the introduction and engagement of market leading managed service providers who we work strategically with, to ensure our clients receive the accredited specialist input required for certification.