“Achieving the Access4you Design Gold Pre-Certification just one month after construction began confirms Forte Partners' commitment to creating inclusive real estate projects,” said Daniela Marinescu, Head of Asset Management at Forte Partners. “ESG today is no longer just about regulations, it's about making a real impact in the community and building environments where everyone is welcome.”
Access4you is an international social impact company recognised by the WELL Building Standard. Its system audits and certifies the accessibility of the built environment in 16 real estate segments for nine user groups with accessibility needs. In Romania, the assessment was conducted by architect Tamara Dogariu, an accredited partner of Access4you authorised to evaluate buildings in the design phase.
According to Access4you's founder and CEO Balázs Berecz, “An accessibility audit offers a data-driven starting point. Our mission is to provide credible and detailed data for owners, investors, tenants and people with disabilities and to encourage property owners to prioritise inclusion.”
U•Center 3 follows the success of U•Center 1 and U•Center 2, both fully leased and certified LEED Platinum and WELL Core Platinum. The third phase will add a 12,500 sqm office building, 1,700 sqm of retail and 200 apartments. The mixed-use project is being built with mid-rise structures aligned with the area's urban profile.
In line with Forte Partners' ESG objectives, U•Center 3 will feature biophilic design, rainwater reuse for irrigation, smart lighting and cooling systems, and a fully electric energy supply. The project will meet nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards, with efficient HVAC systems powered by heat pumps and low global warming potential refrigerants.