Defining tomorrow’s built environment

Q&A with William Newton (WiredScore) and Johan Joubert (British Land)

British Land has long set the bar for what it means to build and manage places with excellence. Their recent recognition with WiredScore’s Certificate of Excellence for Operational Excellence is a testament to that commitment. This portfolio-level award celebrates real estate investors and developers who consistently deliver best-in-class digital connectivity, resilient design, and smart building management across their assets. For British Land, it reflects a long-term vision that brings together cutting-edge digital infrastructure, sustainability strategies, and thoughtful placemaking across their campuses and buildings in London.

To mark the achievement, we joined the British Land team at Broadgate Tower to sit down with William Newton, CEO of WiredScore, and Johan Joubert, Digital Placemaking Programme Manager at British Land. Together, we explored why digital excellence matters, how sustainability and operational performance intersect, and what the future of connected places looks like.

Q: William, from WiredScore’s perspective, what does British Land’s recognition for operational excellence represent?

It’s a significant achievement. To be recognised for Operational Excellence at a portfolio level is about so much more than connectivity - it measures whether a building or estate is consistently resilient, user-friendly, and future-ready. For British Land, this recognition shows that they are not only delivering high-performing digital infrastructure today but also building processes and systems that can adapt as occupier needs evolve.

Q: Johan, what specific approaches has British Land taken to achieve this level of operational excellence?

Our philosophy is to design and operate spaces where technology quietly enhances every interaction. From frictionless entry to robust Wi-Fi and mobile coverage, we work to make the digital layer invisible but indispensable. That requires significant investment in infrastructure, close collaboration with partners like WiredScore, and embedding digital resilience into how we manage our buildings day to day. It’s about identifying impactful use cases which translate into a seamless experience for occupants, visitors, and operators alike.

Q: Johan, sustainability is central to British Land’s strategy. How does it intersect with digital excellence?

For us, sustainability and digital readiness are inseparable. At development level, we’ve combined WiredScore and SmartScore certifications with BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Gold, and ambitious carbon-reduction measures at flagship projects across London. At portfolio scale, we’ve already achieved a 39% reduction in operational carbon intensity and an 18% improvement in energy efficiency since FY19. Digital enhancements and interventions, delivered through digital interfaces and our smart building platform, - building automation, digital access, and predictive maintenance - help us drive these efficiencies while keeping the user experience front and centre.

Q: William how does WiredScore’s framework ensure that sustainability, resilience, and operational excellence are all considered together?

Our certification isn’t just about internet speeds. For example, our Sustainability Technology criteria measure how buildings use digital systems to reduce energy consumption, track performance, and support net-zero goals. Operational Excellence, meanwhile, looks at system integration, maintenance, and user experience. Holistically, the certification criteria provides a roadmap for landlords to align their digital ambitions with ESG commitments. In short, the framework connects environmental responsibility with future-proofed building performance.

Q: Johan, what does this recognition mean for your occupiers and partners?

It signals trust and forward thinking. Occupiers can be confident that when they choose a British Land building, they’re entering an environment that is resilient, digitally advanced, and sustainable. For investors and partners, it demonstrates that we’re serious about futureproofing and about creating places where businesses and communities can thrive. It’s not simply a badge, it’s a proof point of our long-term vision.

The awards showcase a commitment to future-proofing your portfolio with the infrastructure and user experience occupiers now expect.

Learn more about how to qualify for a Portfolio award from WiredScore.