6 November 2009
A web-based system that rates the environmental impact of an office fit-out has been launched by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).
The free “Ska Rating” assessment scheme focuses solely on fit-outs. It comprises 99 good-practice reduction and efficiency measures for energy and carbon dioxide, waste, water, pollution, transport, materials and wellbeing.
A fit-out is then awarded a gold, silver or bronze ranking.
A key feature of the Ska Rating is that it has been designed to be accessible even for the smallest organisation, said Rics.
While the on-line version is free, companies looking to obtain a quality-assured certificate will be able to commission a formal assessment from a qualified Ska Rating assessor.
Greener fit-outs are more important than ever, according to Rics. They account for around 10 per cent of the £64.5 billion spent on construction in the UK. There is growing pressure for property occupiers and owners to improve the sustainability of existing stock as well as new buildings.
For more information on Ska Rating visit the
Ska website.
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