HFD Group’s flagship 177 Bothwell Street will become the first development in Scotland – and among the first 70 in the world – to achieve the new independently-verified global gold standard for smart buildings.
The Glasgow development – set to be the city’s largest single office building – will build on its market-leading offering and immediately begin the assessment process for the recently launched SmartScore certification.
Among a range of smart technology features, 177 Bothwell Street’s intelligent building management system will allow occupiers to arrive and reach their chosen floor – via reception, security turnstiles, and lifts – without having to touch any part of the building’s exterior or interior.
Announced last year among a host of features to reflect the changes brought about by Covid-19, visitors’ mobile devices will be pre-accredited, allowing them to operate security gates and lifts with their phones. App-activated lighting will also remove the need to physically operate switches.
SmartScore will add to 177 Bothwell Street’s list of industry accreditations, with the building set to complete in the fourth quarter of 2021. It will also become the first development in Scotland to achieve a ‘Platinum’ WiredScore certification, a standard recognising that future occupiers will have the best connectivity available.
Stephen Lewis, managing director of HFD Property Group, said: “Our commitment to achieving SmartScore underlines the world-class offering that 177 Bothwell Street will bring to occupiers in Glasgow. What sets it apart from other accreditations is that it centres around the outcomes, rather than the technology itself.
“SmartScore is about how intelligent systems can help every building user – from occupiers and visitors to property managers and security – to have the best possible experience in the building, creating a more sustainable, operationally efficient, and people-centric environment. Smart buildings are where offices are heading, and we are committed to leading the field in that respect.”
Tom McClellan, Country Director, UK & Ireland at SmartScore, commented: “It’s never been more important for buildings to have user outcomes at their centre, and that’s why I am thrilled to see the commitment from HFD Property Group on being one of the first landlords to have committed to SmartScore. 177 Bothwell Street will be one of the first buildings in the world to be SmartScore certified and will – along with being sustainable, cost-efficient and future-proof – deliver outstanding outcomes for its future tenants.”
A large section of 177 Bothwell Street has been pre-let to Virgin Money for its new headquarters, while HFD Group’s serviced offices business will occupy 65,000 sq. ft. in the building. An independent economic impact assessment concluded that the 313,000 sq. ft. development will generate £2.8 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the Scottish economy over 25 years.
HFD has committed the building to sustainability through a variety of measures and industry-recognised accreditations.
In November 2020, HFD said 177 Bothwell Street would produce zero carbon emissions by going fully electric from 100% renewable power, while targeting an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard. It will also feature a rooftop terrace and running track, 318 cycle spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and circadian lighting.
Stephen Lewis added: “Technology and sustainability are closely intertwined, with both integral to delivering offices that are focussed on supporting occupiers’ health and wellbeing. People are at the heart of how we have designed 177 Bothwell Street and we are taking proactive steps to make sure it is market-leading, not only in Glasgow, but across the UK and beyond.”