SPEEDWELL Marks a New Milestone in Urban Sustainability: QUEENS District Office Achieves BREEAM Excellent Design Certification

SPEEDWELL Development sets a new benchmark in sustainable urban development in Bucharest. The company’s QUEENS District Office project has been awarded the BREEAM Excellent certification for its design stage, in collaboration with BuildGreen.

Strategically located in Bucharest’s emerging Central Business District, QUEENS District Office stands as both a landmark investment in urban transformation and a model of responsible architectural design.

Flexible, Premium Workspaces in a Mixed-Use District

As a key component of the broader QUEENS District mixed-use development, the project includes 22,500 sqm of flexible, premium office space and an additional 2,500 sqm of modern retail areas on the ground floor.

The building harmoniously integrates high-performance materials and systems designed to ensure superior energy efficiency and enhanced comfort for tenants. Powered exclusively by renewable electricity, the project operates with zero local carbon emissions, underscoring SPEEDWELL’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Setting a New Standard for Energy-Efficient Office Buildings

The project is poised to become a reference point for sustainable office development in Bucharest. Once completed, the building will achieve a primary energy consumption of only 51 kWh/m²/year, exceeding nZEB (nearly zero-energy building) requirements by over 40%, and performing significantly better than the local average for Class A office buildings.

This outstanding energy performance will be supported by a robust green energy infrastructure, including:

• Air-source heat pumps
• High-efficiency mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
• A 36.5 kW photovoltaic system
• Full LED lighting throughout the premises

All systems will be monitored and optimized through an advanced building management system (BMS), targeting up to 36% reduction in energy consumption. The building has achieved A+ ratings for heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting, and a B rating for cooling.

Advanced HVAC and Ventilation Technologies

Modern air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps, designed at a large scale, are engineered to meet the heating and cooling needs of high-occupancy commercial buildings such as offices. According to studies by Energy Systems Catapult and Good Energy, these systems can deliver efficiency ratios 2.5 to 4 times higher than conventional gas heating systems.

Indoor air quality is ensured by a 100% fresh air ventilation system, featuring rigorous CO₂ and humidity level monitoring, complemented by operable windows covering 20% of the façade, allowing for natural air flow.

Low Emissions and Significant Cost Savings

The building’s estimated carbon emissions stand at just 7.5 kg CO₂/m²/year, totaling approximately 156.15 tonnes per year—over 30% lower than the average emissions from similar office buildings in Bucharest.

These performance standards are expected to deliver utility cost savings of up to 40% for future tenants, positioning QUEENS District Office as a sustainable and forward-thinking workspace ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Human-Centric Design and Active Mobility Facilities

Beyond its technical achievements, QUEENS District Office emphasizes occupant well-being and experience. Workspaces are naturally lit through 3-meter-high windows, ensuring optimal daylight penetration. The building also meets high acoustic standards, and incorporates ergonomic design and individual thermal comfort controls.

To promote active and low-impact commuting, the development includes:

• Secure bicycle storage
• EV charging stations
• On-site shower facilities