• International consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has subjected the Upper One project, prepared in line with STRABAG’s pro-climate policy, to an analysis for compliance with EU taxonomy and ESG aspects.
• In the independent ESG expertise, the Warsaw complex, developed by STRABAG Real Estate, received a ‘Best Market Practice’ rating.

The Upper One office building project has achieved ‘Best Market Practice’ according to an independent ESG expertise conducted by international consultancy Cushman & Wakefield. Ten key criteria related to environmental, social and corporate governance impacts were analysed. In the overall ranking, STRABAG Real Estate’s investment received a score that places Upper One at the forefront of European best sustainable practices.

An independent study by Cushman & Wakefield measured the scale of the implementation of sustainable solutions in a building. Factors such as compliance with legislation, the principles of the circular economy, or social and environmental impact were taken into account. Upper One scored highest in the categories of transport and mobility (86 per cent), biodiversity and green spaces (82 per cent), building management (77 per cent) and health and well-being (66 per cent).

Upper One is a large-scale undertaking – from the conceptual phase to design and implementation. We are approaching it in a responsible manner, aiming to meet all the technical requirements of the EU taxonomy for new building construction. Already during the demolition phase of Atrium International, we prepared a total of 95 per cent of construction waste for recycling or reuse. We will also use secondary raw materials in the realisation of Upper One. At the same time, we will bet on sustainable and energy-efficient building technologies. We will also try to promote this approach among tenants by offering them green leases,

explains Łukasz Ciesielski, managing director at developer STRABAG Real Estate.

Much of the energy used for heating and cooling will come from a designed RES heat pump in the form of a ground exchanger. In addition, greenery and a light finish on the roof surface will reduce the urban heat island effect. Upper One will seek certification under LEED BD+C: New Construction, aiming for the highest possible score. The project has already received pre-certification at the LEED Platinium level.

The facility will also seek WELL certification. The synergies of LEED and WELL certification aim to strengthen selected technical building performance in terms of occupant health and well-being. The WELL certification, created together with the medical and public health community, shapes a healthy environment inside the building, which is reflected in the Upper One project,

says Marta Prominska, Director of Sustainable Development at construction company STRABAG.

STRABAG Real Estate places an equally strong emphasis on pro-social solutions, responding to the eight UN Sustainable Development Goals (including Good Health and Quality of Life – Goal 3, or Sustainable Cities and Communities – Goal 11). This is all the more important as the wellbeing of employees is now crucial and influences their willingness to stay in the office. According to an analysis by Cushman & Wakefield, Upper One will offer best-in-class solutions, including light control, air ionisation and high acoustic quality of the building, significantly reducing background noise.

Incorporating ESG aspects into the development process as early as the site analysis stage of a development is an approach that must become standard in view of the challenges the industry is facing in its transition to a low-carbon economy. The multi-faceted analysis we have prepared is such a ‘reality check’ for project assumptions, and a starting point for assessing the potential for further improvements, as well as helping to communicate transparently. I am glad that the STRABAG Real Estate investment in Warsaw compares so well with the best European practices and can serve as a role model for further projects in Poland,

explains Ilona Otoka, ESG Services Manager at Cushman & Wakefield.

Greenery will be responsible for Upper One’s unique and welcoming character. Plantings in the form of perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees, among others, are planned throughout the development. The project will be complemented by leisure spaces: a public amphitheatre, an outdoor drinking fountain, green terraces on the top floors (some equipped with water retention systems). Cyclists, on the other hand, will have changing rooms with showers and over a hundred equipment racks at their disposal.

Work is currently underway on the construction of the Upper One basement. The general contractor for the complex is the construction company STRABAG.