The Bridge skyscraper, currently under construction at Plac Europejski in Warsaw, is the first office project in Central and Eastern Europe to receive the prestigious SmartScore and WiredScore certificates awarded to the most technologically advanced buildings in the world. Ghelamco’s investment received the highest possible rating at the Platinum level.
The SmartScore certification system is a new standard for evaluating smart office buildings to verify the extent to which modern buildings are smart and how they compare to other buildings. It was developed by U.S.-based WiredScore in partnership with global real estate leaders – the owners and users of the world’s most technologically advanced office buildings. The first company authorized to conduct SmartScore certification in Poland was Colliers, which supported Ghelamco in this process.
At the same time, The Bridge became the first in the region to achieve WiredScore platinum certification, validating the building’s digital connectivity and readiness for future technologies. The WiredScore certification was created in 2013 in New York City out of the need of office tenants who wanted confirmation of the high standard of teletechnical solutions before choosing a building for their headquarters. WiredScore certification and the new SmartScore certification came to Poland in 2022.
“At Ghelamco, we always aim high and strive to be pioneers in the market. In 2010, we were the first in Poland to certify a building in the BREEAM system, which is currently the most important measure of the sustainable and ecological character of real estate, and now we are the first in this part of Europe to boast SmartScore and WiredScore certificates, confirming the highest level of technological advancement of a facility. What makes me even happier is the highest possible rating for The Bridge, with a large contribution from the Signal OS operating system developed by Ghelamco. This is a clear signal that our investments meet the most stringent requirements, and are at the highest level when it comes to smart solutions and fulfilling the assumptions of ESG,” says Jarosław Zagórski, Commercial & Business Development Director at Ghelamco Poland.
“When it comes to ESG and smart buildings, we don’t stop at words, we follow up with actions and real solutions. Our ambition is to maintain our leadership position and deliver the highest quality office projects to the market. The Bridge will be an ultra-modern and ecological building on many levels, as already confirmed by the first SmartScore and WiredScore certificates awarded to Polish building,” adds Jarosław Fiutowski, member of the board responsible for ESG strategy and innovation at Ghelamco Poland.
The SmartScore certification analyzed the technology solutions used in The Bridge building in terms of two main criteria. The first is functional technology, which translates into user safety and comfort, and the second is technical performance, such as digital connectivity, cybersecurity and data flow systems.
“I am impressed with how well The Bridge was prepared for the SmartScore and WiredScore certification process. Nevertheless, SmartScore managed to push the boundaries of what was possible and inspired Ghelamco to develop several new building features to reach the highest possible level. It was a pleasure for me to help achieve this certification by working with such a technologically experienced team. I believe this is an important event for the PropTech market in Poland. SmartScore has set a global standard, and The Bridge has proven that Poland is a serious player in the market for truly smart buildings,” says Renata Hartle, Technology Solutions Manager at Colliers, who is also the first SmartScore accredited specialist in Central and Eastern Europe.
“Reaching SmartScore Platinum is a landmark achievement for Ghelamco and for the real estate market in Poland and wider the CEE region. Being the first to have achieved this certification for their asset, The Bridge, our client is setting the standard for the future of the real estate and championing the role of technology. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the building will bring to all who interact with it,” says Tom McClellan, Country Director for UK & Ireland and Growth Markets at WiredScore.
The 170-meter high, the skyscraper, designed by UNStudio – a renowned Dutch architectural studio – will have the latest technological and ecological solutions. The building will use Ghelamco’s proprietary operating system, Signal OS, which is used for the smart management of the facility. Among other things, it allows for sustainable water and energy management and air treatment control with monitoring, ensuring that indoor air is smog-free. It includes a mobile application that allows, e.g., to move around the building without an access card or reserve rooms, desks and parking spaces. The Bridge will also use special solutions to prevent the spread of viruses, including virucidal UV lamps in the elevators, and air handling units. Furthermore, the facility will implement innovative technology to significantly minimize water consumption.
The Bridge will offer a total of 47,000 sqm of top-class office space for future users, and there will be a sky terrace for their exclusive use on the 40th floor of the skyscraper. The building will feature approximately 280 parking spaces, including those with electric car chargers, and a dedicated parking lot for electric two-wheel vehicles – bicycles and scooters – with 31 charging stations. Cyclists will get to use nearly 150 bike spaces and locker rooms with showers.
Apart from SmartScore and WiredScore, Ghelamco’s latest skyscraper will also be certified in WELL, WELL Health Safety Rating, BREEAM, Green Building Standard and Obiekt bez barrier (“Barrier-Free Building”) systems.
