The Hague, 13 May 2025 – Kadans Science Partner counted on Deerns for WiredScore the platinum certification of Plus Ultra Utrecht. In this new state-of-the-art laboratory and office building, R&D companies turn knowledge and innovation into real world change.
Plus Ultra Utrecht’s platinum certification is the highest WiredScore certification. It is highly attractive to tenants counting on robust IT and connectivity infrastructure. A WS certification rates the connectivity of the building, demonstrating to potential tenants that it meets high standards of connectivity and validates that a property is future-proof.
WS certification is commonplace abroad for commercial real estate, and still fairly unique in the Netherlands. Deerns and Kadans are setting the pace for connectivity standards in locally. The expected commission date is September 2025.
WiredScore certification: a new standard in connectivity
A WiredScore certification provides an objective measure of the quality and reliability of a building’s connectivity, including internet and telecoms infrastructure, from 0 to 100.
Plus Ultra Utrecht met the following criteria for a successful platinum certification, (90 to 100):
- Mobile and wireless connectivity: indoor mobile coverage and free Wi-Fi for tenants and guests.
- Terrain entry points, communication rooms and shafts: multiple entry points, telecommunication rooms and shafts for installations that provide sufficient space for both redundancy and future expansion.
- Emergency power facilities: An emergency power supply for telecommunication purposes ensuring connectivity during power outages.
- Connection options (internet) provider(s ): several fast internet providers available.
Here’s Where Telecoms is tight
One of the challenges in achieving the platinum WiredScore certification concerned the telecommunications room (TC). Additional space was the only way the TC room could meet the WS requirement. Close cooperation between Kadans , Deerns and the electrical installer, JWR Elektrotechniek resolved this challenge. Deerns’ ‘Accredited Professionals’ were part of the building design team from the start. This early stage input was the reason for the building meeting WiredScore specifications.
3 Key steps: Wired Score Certification
For the WiredScore certification of Plus Ultra Utrecht, Deerns followed 3 key steps:
- Quick Scan: Mapping all connectivity elements; preparing indicative scorecard.
- Implementing design changes.
- Application for certification: Deerns supervised the certification application process, from coordination between the various parties to document submission.
Here’s where we design for connectivity and sustainability synergy
Clients need to consider how certain building insulation solutions could impact connectivity. Well-insulated buildings are of course necessary so that buildings are sustainable with low environmental impact. However, property owners and managers should consider that insulation can have an unintended negative effect on connectivity ratings. Certain insulation solutions can for example cause a drop in quality of cellular phone signals. These kinds of considerations are important to keep in mind when retrofitting, improving or designing new buildings. Here’s where Deerns comes in. Deerns WiredScore consultants work hand in hand with in-house Sustainability experts to ensure that the optimal solution considering all demands on building performance.
At Plus Ultra Utrecht is a case in point. The due diligence was successfully completed since Deerns struck the perfect balance between sustainability and connectivity, leading to a successful WiredScore certification for Kadans.
