The Hickman in London has become the first building in the world to achieve a Platinum rating from SmartScore, the certification scheme for smart buildings.
WiredScore launched SmartScore, the certification for smart buildings, in April 2021.
The worldwide standard aims to identify smart buildings that deliver exceptional user experience, drive cost efficiency, as well as high standards of sustainability.
To achieve the rating, owners must demonstrate enhanced functionality but also demonstrate that the building’s technological foundation makes it futureproof.
A SmartScore Platinum building must be cutting-edge and use market leading technology, processes and automation.
Developed by Great Portland Estates (GPE), the Hickman features 75,300 sq ft of sustainable, tech-enabled office space in Whitechapel, London.
It also includes Challenger House, a 171-bedroom hotel with two courtyards in the rear.
Work on The Hickman included extending and refurbishing the building, relocating the office entrance, rotating the core to improve the efficiency of the floorplates and replacing the building’s services.
The tech-enabled building allows tenants to access a number of services and amenities, as well as controls for their office environment, via a smart workplace app known as sesame.
The app allows contactless access to the building and lifts, control of building services and provides both data to optimise the office space and detailed, real time energy analysis.
Staff can book desks before they leave home, check the building’s air quality or view up-to-date transport data to help them avoid busy times.
On their journey, they can browse 150 magazines and pre-order a coffee to pick up from the café in reception. Once at their desk, they can control lighting and temperature via the app.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and other cutting-edge technology is driving the smart buildings market.
A new report examining AI & machine learning in smart commercial buildings said the market generated $US1.11 billion in revenue in 2020.
This market is expected to grow 24.3 per cent annually through to 2025, nearly tripling in value to $US3.3 billion, according to ResearchandMarkets.com