The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global organisation responsible for the certification of office space, has awarded Building B of the Spark complex a WELL Core&Shell pre-certification. At this time of the coronavirus pandemic and suspension of travel, this is the only possible way of certification. The building received this distinction confirming the highest quality of office space based on the submitted declaration.
The WELL Core&Shell pre-certification for Spark B means that both existing buildings of this Warsaw complex implemented by Skanska are a healthy and sustainable workplace and meet the most demanding guidelines for office space. The needs of building users and guests, their physical and mental health were taken into account. The WELL concept puts focus on people.
– Meeting the strict WELL guidelines is always a big challenge for the developer. Previously, the WELL Core&Shell certificate was awarded to the Spark C. building. The pre-certificate for Spark B is yet another success for us confirming that Skanska sets the standard in terms of office space quality – says Michał Marszałek, Sustainovation Expert at Skanska office unit. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is not possible to carry out the standard verification procedure. Pre-certification for Spark B is therefore a kind of symbol of trust in us by IWBI and proof that our tenants have the best offices available on the market – adds Michał Marszałek.
Buildings constructed in accordance with WELL principles are especially beneficial now when we need to take care of our health and safety even more. Adequate ventilation, filtration, injection of a large amount of fresh air and maintaining an adequate level of humidity in the rooms impede the spread of viruses and bacteria. The WELL concept also promotes good hygiene practices and ensuring good quality drinking water is available in the office.
Modern technologies, such as the Connected by Skanska operating system, also play a major role in increasing user safety. Thanks to it, many typical activities related to moving through the facility are done without contact. Employees and guests can enter the underground car park thanks to cameras recognizing car registrations and can get to a specific floor of the building using a smartphone or QR code, which is sent along with the invitation to their email address.
Last year, Skanska was the first developer in Central and Eastern Europe to obtain the WELL Core&Shell certificate for two office buildings – Visionary in Prague and Spark C in Warsaw. This year Praga Studios investment also received a WELL C&S certificate. To date, Skanska has built around 770,000 sqm of office space in this part of Europe complete with LEED Core&Shell certification, of which over 45,000 sqm is also WELL Core&Shell certified.