Offices body to introduce new ‘prime’ grade for best office space as it describes current system as ‘not fit for purpose’
The British Council of Offices is consulting on plans to introduce a new “prime” tier in its office grading system following a report that argues the current framework is “not fit for purpose”.
The current British Council of Offices (BCO) rating uses three tiers to categorise the quality of office space, ranging from the lowest quality grade C to the highest tier grade A.
However, more than half of the UK’s office stock is currently classed as grade A, resulting in the label losing its value, according to the BCO.
The body’s new report, written by JLL, is now calling for a “complete overhaul” of the grading system which would introduce a new tier called “prime” which would sit above grade A to classify the best office space.
A survey of 89 representatives across 41 organisations found just 3% of respondents were happy with the current grading system and 89% agreeing that a “more robust” framework would provide greater clarity and consistency.
Sustainability is also seen as central to the quality of office space, with 96.5% of respondents to the survey rating sustainability certifications such as EPC, BREEAM, NABERS as essential to office quality, more than any other factor.
The BCO is now seeking feedback on proposals for a new four-tier scoring system that aims to better reflect the evolving priorities of office occupiers, investors and developers.
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The 100-point system would evaluate buildings across four categories, physical quality, sustainability, technology and amenity, taking into account natural light, floor-to-ceiling heights, building management systems and various energy ratings.
“Prime” status would be given to offices with 80 or more points, while those with 50 to 79 points would be graded A, 30 to 49 points would be ’B’ and less than 30 points would be C.
The framework has been piloted on office schemes in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading and Gloucester. The BCO said these tests had demonstrated that best-in-class office space is no longer confined to central London and that high-quality retrofits can compete with new-builds.
BCO chief executive Samantha McClary said the office sector was in need of a shared language to “distinguish truly exceptional space”.
“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, said occupier expectations had changed since the pandemic and “while traditional physical characteristics remain important, there has been a shift towards emphasising building performance and user experience”.
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