• The Greater London Authority and US firm WiredScore have introduced ratings of business places based on their digital infrastructure
• Eleven buildings in the capital have already gained Wired Certification
Connectivity has always been important for landlords and occupiers. Years ago this meant being able to commute to and from the workplace with relative ease. Now it means much more. Businesses and their workforces now expect efficient wireless connectivity. The world we operate in is increasingly digital and physical workspaces need to be connected.
In a bid to encourage this, London mayor Boris Johnson and the Greater London Authority have teamed up with US-based WiredScore to introduce a certification for UK buildings that rates them on their technological infrastructure.
“The connectivity ratings scheme launched in partnership with WiredScore will not only help businesses to identify where they can achieve the best broadband speeds, it will encourage landlords to up their game in the connectivity stakes,” said Johnson. “By working to deliver world-class, affordable connectivity for everyone, we are ensuring that London has the digital infrastructure in place to stay ahead of our competitors.”
William Newton, UK director of operations at WiredScore, said: “Our mission is to create a world that is better connected and bring the importance of connectivity to the forefront of the global commercial real estate industry.”
He added: “On many occasions, there is a disconnect between occupiers who care about connectivity and the level of transparency regarding this when they move into a building.”
So far 11 buildings across the capital have gained the Wired Certification, with major landlords including British Land, Land Securities and Derwent London all signing up to the scheme (see box).
“In a competitive real estate market, one feature of our properties is their high-quality tech features,” said Simon Taylor, head of asset management at Derwent, which has gained the certification on four of its buildings. “Our occupiers benefit from the availability of robust internet connectivity and the Wired Certification is a very effective way to demonstrate the superior tech capabilities of our buildings.”
Buildings are rated on the number and quality of internet service providers, bandwidth capabilities and the reliability of connections based on the building’s infrastructure and are awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum standards. The certification is renewed every two years to keep up with technological changes and occupier needs.
The scheme was launched just two years ago in New York with then mayor Michael Bloomberg. It has since grown to include more than 400 buildings, across 185m sq ft, in 31 US cities.
And now it is seeking to expand its clientele in the UK, starting with London landlords but including owners of space outside the capital.
Wired for success
Landlords that have achieved Wired Certification include:
Beacon Capital Partners CityPoint, EC2
BL and Oxford Properties Leadenhall Building, EC3
Derwent London Johnson Building, EC1; Morelands Building, EC1; Tea Building, E1; the Buckley Building, EC1
Greater London Authority London City Hall, SE1
Land Securities & The Canary Wharf Group 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3
Land Securities 62Buckingham Gate, SW1; One New Change, EC4
Stanhope Broadcast Centre, W12
