SKA rating explained: What you need to know

One valuable tool for benchmarking and certifying greener office fit out projects in the UK is the SKA rating.

But what exactly does SKA stand for and how does it work? This article provides a comprehensive guide to SKA ratings – from the assessment process to tips on achieving higher certification.

Several advantages for landlords and occupiers in undertaking SKA assessment include:

• Demonstrating sustainability credentials to clients and the public
• Guidance for project teams on environmental good practice
• Financial savings through efficiency gains
• Enhanced company reputation and staff retention
• Benchmarking for improvement across future office fit outs

The certification also signals compliance with regulations and often alignment to corporate ESG strategies.

Gaining SKA certification involves four key stages:

1. Scope: Defining the sustainability criteria relevant for assessing the particular project.
2. Design Assessment: Evaluating integration of green features at the design phase.
3. Construction Assessment: Assessing delivered outcomes relative to sustainability benchmarks.
4. Certification: Scoring performance to assign a Bronze, Silver or Gold rating.

Ongoing reassessment over time then allows ratings to be improved through successive office fit outs

Adopting a people-led approach to office design can both improve employee experience as well as boost a company's sustainability credentials under the SKA rating system.

Putting individual occupant needs at the forefront allows designers to enrich workspace ergonomics, comfort, accessibility, safety and overall wellness. This directly supports a business's people strategy centred on attraction, retention and engagement of talent.

Additionally, the focus on human-centric factors within the design process inherently influences sustainability outcomes assessed by SKA. For example, maximising natural light, integrating biophilic elements like plants and water features, ensuring excellent indoor air quality, and promoting active lifestyles through the provision of stairs and recreation spaces.

People-led design also equates to spaces that are adaptable to changing usage needs over time. This facilitates efficient use of materials and resources - aligning with waste reduction and circular economy principles which contribute to enhanced SKA performance.

Alongside SKA, BREEAM is another widely used sustainability assessment scheme in the UK. BREEAM employs a broader methodology looking at whole buildings rather than only fit outs. It also uses a scoring system ranging from Acceptable to Outstanding performance across more granular assessment categories.

The choice between BREEAM and SKA rating depends on the specific project type and scope of sustainability enhancement.

With climate change driving action across business, SKA ratings provide a tailored approach to green benchmarking of office fit outs. The Bronze to Gold certification levels recognise sustainability leadership while encouraging continual progress over time.And the assessed good practice measures give clear guidance to owners, managers and office teams looking to elevate eco-performance.

Undertaking SKA assessment signals your organisation’s commitment to an environmentally responsible future.