BCO proposes reform of ‘inadequate’ grading system
The British Council for Offices is proposing a new way of scoring the quality of workspaces that would create a separate category for the very best stock.
A report commissioned by the BCO and authored by JLL found that 97% of survey respondents thought the current way of grading offices is out of date and that a more nuanced approach is needed.
At present, Grade A is the highest rating an office can receive. This is a problem because the differences in the quality of schemes that share a Grade A rating can be manifold, according to BCO.
In effect, the bar for Grade A accreditation is seen as too low by those who took part in the survey.
As a result, the BCO wants to see a new scoring system introduced that would capture more data around the physical characteristics of a building, sustainability, technology, amenity, and health and wellbeing.
Going forward, offices would be given a score out of 100. A score of 80 and above would be formally designated as ‘super prime’ – a term already used informally in the sector.
A score between 50 and 79 would earn you a Grade A rating while 30-49 would be Grade B with anything below 30 being grade C.
BCO chief executive Samantha McClary, said the proposed new system would provide clarity for investors and occupiers.
“As demand for high-performing, sustainable and amenity-rich workplaces continues to grow, the industry needs a shared language to distinguish truly exceptional space,” she said.
“The proposed framework supports the market’s flight to quality and provides clarity for investors, developers and tenants alike. It’s about creating offices that deliver long-term value – for people, for performance and for the planet.”
Elaine Rossall, report author and JLL head of offices research, added: “Office market standards and occupier expectations have evolved since the pandemic.
“While traditional physical characteristics remain important, there has been a shift towards emphasising building performance and user experience, and it was encouraging to see that there was a strong recognition and a consensus for change from across a broad cross section of stakeholders. This is key for industry adoption and to ensure relevance over the longer term.”
