Point Development, the local subsidiary of the Israeli group Shikun & Binui, has successfully completed the LEED certification process for the second construction stage of its resi-scheme City Point. At the end of last year, the project received the LEED for Neighbourhood Development: Plan and Design (LEED-ND) certificate on behalf of the US Green Building Council. Thus, City Point becomes the sixth project in Europe certified LEED-ND and the third certified as Gold. The whole process was coordinated by Colliers Romania.
Started in 2019, the extension works of the project involve an investment of €100 million and will be completed in 2023. Phase II will deliver over 400 units displayed over three buildings with a height regime GF + 12F, respectively GF + 18F, to which are added 500 parking spaces, more than 6,000 sqm of green spaces with pedestrian alleys and running track, multifunctional buildings that will accommodate SPA facilities, a gym and commercial spaces right inside the complex, but also an open space for co-working (co-working outdoors).
“Although atypical and dominated by uncertainties, 2020 was a year of excellent results for us as a company, and especially for City Point. Obtaining this LEED certification represents much more than just implementing some sustainable practices; it is a commitment that we have made since the launch of the project and which, I believe, has turned us into an example of good practice in the industry. Moreover, the residential segment proved to be extremely resilient, and this was also reflected in the high occupancy rate we achieved in this new expansion phase – approximately 70 percent of the total number of units available in the first building of phase II have already been contracted. We are also advancing at a fast pace with the construction works and we are preparing to complete this year the first 107 units,” said Favi Stelian, Managing Director Point Development.
City Point is one of the largest newly developed residential projects in the Aviatiei – Pipera area and has been designed and built under the concept of a smart neighbourhood. The concept emphasizes the idea of a united, sustainable and technological community, and extra attributes such as the high quality of construction and finishes, energy efficiency and thermic independence, as well as the premium facilities for residents are interconnected through IoT solutions. With a privileged location, right in the vicinity of the Barbu Văcărescu – Pipera office pole and the Promenada shopping centre, the project aims to discourage driving addiction, while the LEED-ND standard transposes the Green certification notion beyond the individual building, applying it to an urban scale.
“This certification grants recognition to all urban developments with a positive impact over communities, sustainable, which shape the lives of those who work or live here, communities designed to have a higher degree of connecting and integrating into the urban landscape. City Point is among the only three projects on the continent that have received the LEED-ND certification at Gold level,” says Tamara Dogariu, Associate Real Estate Management Services with Colliers, who coordinated the certification process of City Point.
In addition to its location, the main distinguishing criteria that served City Point in accumulating the maximum score that led to achieving the certification were: facilitating and encouraging alternative transportation; wide access to various functions complementary to living – including recreational and sports facilities; the existence of shaded alleys destined to pedestrian use only; energetic efficiency of the buildings; cutting down drinking water consumption; the existence of the central heating system, as well as the capability to reduce light pollution and the effect of the heat island.
