Archive for category: Misc

Thomasin Crowley, Global Director of Asia Pacific at WiredScore, explains that a growing number of stakeholders in the real estate industry are concerned about providing an excellent user experience, meeting sustainability targets, and future-proofing their assets. To help this end, WiredScore established its global digital connectivity rating scheme and SmartScore certification to define and promote best practice in smart buildings.

In April 2022, WiredScore set up its first regional headquarters in Asia Pacific, in Singapore – Crowley’s ambition for the first couple of years here was to establish awareness and presence in key international hubs in Apac, alongside an office in Hong Kong. In two years, 143 buildings across the region have been registered into its certification scheme, mainly across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand, and several buildings have earned dual certifications of WiredScore and SmartScore. In Singapore, 13 buildings have achieved certification (with four more expected by the end of this year), and overall there are 66.8 million sq ft of commercial real estate registered across the four markets.

“Leasing and branding, technical value, and building for the future are key priorities for asset owners, coupled with a top-down policy to develop more smart buildings in Singapore,” explains Crowley. Singapore also benefits from a strong mindset of investor reporting when it comes to ESG, which is essential for corporate tenants and landlords in hitting their sustainability goals.

When it comes to certifying existing and new buildings for smart capabilities, Thomasin Crowley says the challenge varies from project to project. An example of a great retrofitting case in Singapore is Keppel Bay Tower, which clinched a SmartScore Gold and a WiredScore Platinum last year.

Crowley adds that the biggest challenge any landlord or developer faces today is the increasing risk of obsolescence for existing and new developments – asset managers are particularly concerned that their assets will not meet expected benchmark accreditations, and this is a major concern for investors too.

For those who are looking for a unique home in the city, Tampines North MRT Condo is a perfect option. With impeccable views of the city skyline, the condo offers a serene, tranquil ambience, nestled amidst lush greenery. This development also features an array of exclusive recreational facilities, such as a clubhouse, swimming pools, and landscaped gardens, making it an ideal option for families and working professionals.

“When it comes to retrofitting smart systems, it broadly comes back to assessing what you have today to create a baseline – our SmartScore certifications can help asset owners with this to kick-start the journey,” she says. “Many older commercial buildings in Singapore need to establish this baseline in order for owners to understand their requirements and limitations, but there is still much that can be done in terms of retrofitting.”

For this reason, WiredScore is focused on working with local experts to help realise its mission of making the world’s buildings smarter. It is anticipating a long pipeline of new commercial projects in Thailand, and is continuing to explore more localised ways of serving the Southeast Asian market.