What value would a SmartScore assessment provide?  

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the concept of a smart building has evolved from a futuristic ideal to a practical necessity. Developers, property owners, architects and building managers are increasingly tasked with integrating smart building technology to meet modern demands for efficiency, sustainability and user satisfaction. But how do you quantify the "smartness" of a building? 

This is where a SmartScore assessment offers a range of valuable benefits. SmartScore certification serves as a global benchmark for smart building excellence, helping stakeholders evaluate and enhance their properties' technological capabilities. Whether you're planning a large-scale development or assessing an existing structure, understanding the value of this assessment can guide your decisions and unlock significant advantages. 

What Is SmartScore? 

At its core, SmartScore is a certification program designed to measure and validate the intelligence of a building. It goes beyond basic connectivity to assess how well a building's systems integrate to deliver superior user experiences, operational efficiencies, and sustainable outcomes. Similar to established standards like BREEAM and LEED for sustainability, or WELL for health, SmartScore offers tiered certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These levels are determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of the building's technological infrastructure and functionality. 

The assessment focuses on occupier-centric criteria, ensuring that smart building solutions prioritise the needs of tenants and users.  

Key areas include  

• Access and navigation for seamless movement within the building 
• Digital services for high-quality tech amenities  
• Operational excellence to minimise disruptions 
• Safety and security protocols  
• Sustainability technology for environmental monitoring 
• Wellbeing features to promote health 
• Cybersecurity measures  
• Data management practices 
• Systems integration for automated, interconnected operations. 

By addressing these elements, SmartScore distinguishes truly intelligent buildings from those merely equipped with gadgets, providing a clear framework to invest in smart building technology that drives real value. 

What Does a SmartScore Assessment Involve? 

Conducting a SmartScore assessment is a structured process that ensures thorough evaluation and actionable insights. It begins with registration, where you declare your building for certification. Next, a kick-off phase involves collaborating with dedicated CornerStone experts to outline ambitions, timelines and an execution plan. This is followed by the assessment stage, where we collect a broad range of necessary information and undertake a site survey to review the building's tech features. 

The evidence phase is critical as it’s where we’ll measure the building against SmartScore standards, with opportunities to identify and implement quick improvements. Once complete, certification is awarded, accompanied by a comprehensive package including a fact sheet, building report, and marketing toolkit. 

Finally, promotion allows you to showcase your achievement to attract tenants and investors. This process isn't overly burdensome but requires a deep understanding of smart building services to maximise outcomes. For instance, integrating IoT sensors for real-time data or AI-driven energy management systems can elevate your score, but aligning these with certification criteria demands precision. 

How Does it Benefit the Building? 

The benefits of a SmartScore assessment extend across multiple dimensions, making it a strategic investment for any property. First and foremost, it enhances operational efficiency by pinpointing technologies that reduce costs and streamline maintenance. According to industry insights, certified smart buildings can achieve significant energy savings and minimize downtime through predictive analytics and automated systems. For example, sustainability technology criteria encourage the adoption of tools that monitor and optimize resource use, aligning with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, as well as potentially lowering utility bills by up to 20-30% in optimised scenarios, as seen in broader smart building studies. 

User experience is another major win. Tenants in SmartScore-certified buildings enjoy intuitive navigation, robust digital services like app-based access controls, and enhanced wellbeing features such as air quality monitoring. This not only boosts occupant satisfaction but also improves retention rates. Research highlights how these elements create a safe, secure and healthy environment, fostering productivity and attracting top talent. 

From a market perspective, the certification elevates a building's value. Properties with higher SmartScore ratings command premium rents and faster leasing. Case studies demonstrate this impact: one client pre-leased 41% of their new development by leveraging SmartScore alongside a smart tech strategy, signalling superior connectivity and innovation to prospective tenants. Similarly, a property in Singapore achieved Platinum status, validating its intelligent systems and positioning it as a leader in sustainable, flexible workspaces.  

SmartScore also supports long-term resilience. By emphasizing cybersecurity and data management, it protects against digital threats, while systems integration ensures scalability for future upgrades. This futureproofing is invaluable in an age of rapid technological evolution, helping buildings adapt to emerging smart building solutions without costly overhauls. 

Do You Need Expert Help to Carry it Out? 

While the SmartScore process is accessible, navigating it effectively often benefits from professional guidance. This is where smart building consultancy plays a pivotal role. Experts in smart building services can conduct preliminary audits, recommend tailored smart building technology integrations, and ensure compliance with certification standards. They help avoid common pitfalls, such as overlooking integration gaps or underinvesting in key areas like sustainability. 

For developers and property managers, partnering with a consultancy such as CornerStone streamlines the assessment, saving time and resources. We can provide insights into best practices, drawing from global benchmarks, and can even facilitate the implementation of smart building solutions to achieve higher certification levels.  

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Smart Building 

In summary, a SmartScore assessment delivers immense value by providing a clear, objective measure of your building's intelligence. It drives efficiency, enhances tenant experiences, boosts market appeal, and aligns with sustainability imperatives – all while offering a roadmap for improvement. For developers, property managers, architects and building owners, it's not just a certification; it's a tool to define and elevate your building's smart capabilities. 

If you're ready to explore how SmartScore can transform your project, visit our dedicated SmartScore page for more details and resources. As leaders in smart building consultancy, CornerStone offers comprehensive smart building services to guide you through the process. Don't hesitate – reach out via our contact page to discuss your needs and start your journey toward a smarter, more valuable building today.