Wave, an office building offering tenants nearly 24,000 sqm of sustainable space, first received the WELL Core & Shell Gold certification in 2022. Now – after submitting documentation confirming that the high quality of individual parameters and standards has been maintained and is continuously monitored – the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has renewed the building’s certification at the same level. Wave thus remains the only building in Tricity with WELL Core certification.
– At Skanska, we put people at the center of our focus, so the principles of the WELL Core certification system naturally align with our standards of operation. We promote sustainable construction practices, equally considering environmental and social aspects – says Monika Chacińska, Environmental & Sustainability Manager at Skanska Commercial Development Europe, and adds – Today, office spaces are not just about modern design and technological innovation, but also – and perhaps above all – about solutions that support users’ health and comfort. Wave is an example of a holistic approach to office real estate, proving how important people and their needs truly are.
As essential as… air
One of the key areas assessed during the WELL recertification process is air quality. Building maintenance and everyday activities in office spaces, such as cleaning, positively impact the users’ environment but can also deteriorate indoor air quality. These activities may release particulate matter or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, causing discomfort and negatively affecting employees’ health, irritating the eyes, nose, and throat, or even triggering asthma.
Since the initial certification, air parameters in the Wave office building have been maintained, thanks to the use of high-grade air filters, inspections, and regular replacement of filters in ventilation units, as well as ventilation systems that supply more air to office interiors than required by local regulations. In this context, the building’s seaside location is an additional advantage, as air quality is significantly better than in other regions.
– Only a few building owners and property managers in Poland take on the challenge of WELL Core recertification. A key element is daily care for building quality through numerous inspections. And this means not only checking indoor air quality but also other parameters, such as water or noise. Regarding the latter, it’s worth mentioning the chilled beams installed in Wave, which – as shown by tests conducted even in randomly selected tenant spaces – truly support quiet and focused work. Sometimes we underestimate elements that positively impact employees’ basic needs and help create comfortable work environments – summarizes Monika Chacińska from Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
– As part of the Wave office building’s recertification, we conducted numerous tests, including dust concentration, laboratory analysis of VOCs, and microbiological and physicochemical water analyses. The tested parameters are significantly better than required by standards. This means that users can expect not only modern space but, above all, an environment that supports health, well-being, and effective work – says Jacek Płochocki, Project Manager and WELL Performance Test Agent at Go4Energy.
An office building in harmony with the seaside rhythm
Aesthetic elements of the building can also positively influence users’ well-being and are considered one of the criteria in the WELL certification process. The architectural motifs of Wave’s façade, referencing port container warehouses, remain in dialogue with the historical and cultural context of the location. The façade’s division allows for flexible space configuration, helping adapt it to tenants’ needs. The building’s façade is also not fully glazed, which contributes to the office’s overall efficiency.
Ready for CSRD challenges
The Wave office building was designed by Skanska in accordance with ESG principles. In addition to amenities supporting the social aspect, it features solutions that enhance energy efficiency and circular economy practices. Nearly one-fourth of the building materials used in its construction contained recycled components. Skanska also promotes responsible and conscious use of the building by providing Wave tenants with real-time data on electricity and heat consumption, converted into CO₂ emissions, and the intelligent WasteTracker waste meter, which helps monitor waste streams and visualize their carbon footprint by fraction. The tool also supports Wave tenants in CSRD reporting.