Press Release:Upper One is ESG-leader

The Upper One office project has been named "Best Market Practice" in an independent ESG report by the international consulting firm Cushman & Wakefield. Ten key criteria were analyzed in terms of their impact on the environment, society, and corporate governance. In the overall ranking, STRABAG Real Estate's Upper One achieved a score that makes it one of the most sustainable projects in Europe.

Sustainable and energy-efficient project

The independent study by Cushman & Wakefield measured the degree of implementation of sustainable solutions in a building. Factors such as compliance with legal regulations, principles of the circular economy, as well as social and environmental impact were taken into account. The Upper One achieved the highest scores in the categories of transport and mobility (86%), biodiversity and green spaces (82%), building management (77%), and health and well-being (66%). "The Upper One is a large-scale new construction project – from conception to planning to realization. We act responsibly and aim to meet all the technical requirements of the EU taxonomy for new buildings. As early as during the demolition phase of Atrium International, we prepared a total of 95% of the construction waste for recycling or reuse. We will also use secondary raw materials in the construction of the new building. At the same time, we focus on sustainable and energy-efficient construction technologies. We also try to promote this approach among tenants by offering them green leases," explains Łukasz Ciesielski, Managing Director of STRABAG Real Estate in Poland. A large proportion of the heating and cooling energy is provided by a renewable energy heat pump in the form of a geothermal heat exchanger. In addition, the greenery and the light-colored roof design are intended to reduce the urban heat island effect. The Upper One will apply for LEED BD+C: New Construction certification and aim for the highest possible score. The project has already received LEED Platinum pre-certification. "The building will also apply to obtain the WELL certification. The synergies between the LEED and WELL certifications aim to improve the performance of the selected building in terms of the health and well-being of its occupants. The WELL certification, which was developed in collaboration with doctors and health experts, creates a healthy environment in the building, which is reflected in the Upper One project," says Marta Prominska, Head of Sustainable Development at the construction company STRABAG.

Modern office building makes you feel good

STRABAG Real Estate also focuses on pro-social solutions that meet the eight sustainability goals of the United Nations (including Good Health and Well Being – Goal 3; or Sustainable Cities and Communities – Goal 11). This is all the more important as the well-being of employees is of crucial importance nowadays and influences their willingness to stay in the office. According to an analysis by Cushman & Wakefield, the Upper One will offer first-class solutions, such as light control, air ionization and a high acoustic quality of the building, which will significantly reduce background noise. "Integrating ESG criteria into the development process from the site analysis stage is an approach that needs to become standard given the challenges faced by the industry in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The multi-faceted analysis we have carried out is such a 'reality check' for design assumptions, a starting point for assessing the potential for further improvements and a contribution to transparent communication. I am delighted that STRABAG Real Estate's project in Warsaw compares so well with European best practice and can serve as a model for other projects in Poland," says Ilona Otoka, ESG Services Manager at Cushman & Wakefield. The greenery will give the Upper One a unique and friendly character. The entire area is planted with perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees. The project is complemented by leisure areas: a public amphitheater, an outdoor drinking fountain, green terraces on the upper floors (some with water retention systems). Cyclists have access to changing rooms with showers and over a hundred parking spaces for their equipment. Construction work is currently underway on the basement of the Upper One. The general contractor for the complex is the construction company STRABAG.