The iCITY office towers, developed by MR Group, have been awarded the prestigious gold status of the Clover environmental certification.
MR Group successfully completed the design review stage in accordance with the requirements of Clover, the national building eco-assessment system, using its flagship iCITY project as an example.
The iCITY architectural complex consists of two skyscrapers—the 61-story Space Tower and the 34-story Time Tower—connected by a common eight-story base. The architectural design was realized by the creative group JAHN architecture, while Lykouria Ltd contributed to the contemporary interiors for the public spaces.
iCITY's Gold certification confirms the building's high design class—A. The certification assessed aspects such as energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, including modern automation systems and Smart Building energy-saving features. Factors that could impact occupant health and comfort were also analyzed, including the quality of materials used, transportation accessibility, internal infrastructure, and environmental biodiversity.
The stylobate section of the complex will be equipped with various amenities, including a summer garden, a fitness center with a panoramic pool, shops, a food court, household services, and parking for 942 cars.
The iCITY project stands out from other Moscow-City developers thanks to its high quality and uniqueness, as evidenced by the rapid pace of office space sales—by the beginning of December 2023, 77% had already found their owners.
Maria Litinetskaya, head of MR Group, noted the importance of "Klever" as a national solution designed to fill the gap left by international certification systems. MR Group's projects will be part of the system's pilot phase, allowing for the testing and refinement of a new Russian green building standard that promotes environmental and energy-saving innovation in the construction industry.
The Clover system is a new Russian building assessment and certification system, developed as an alternative to international standards, which have temporarily ceased operation in Russia. This system is designed to fill the gap left by the retreat of international environmental certification standards such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, and to support high standards of green construction at the national level.
Key aspects of the Clover system
Integration with International Standards: Clover incorporates elements of well-known international systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and WELL. This allows projects developed with these standards in mind to easily adapt to the new system.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Klever's primary focus is promoting sustainable and energy-efficient construction. This includes the use of sustainable materials, resource efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
Certification Levels: Similar to international standards, Clover is expected to offer different certification levels (e.g. gold, silver, bronze) that reflect the extent to which a building meets specified environmental and energy standards.
Health and Comfort Impact Assessment: Particular attention is paid not only to environmental aspects but also to the impact of buildings on the health and well-being of their residents and users. This may include indoor air quality, access to natural light, and other factors affecting comfort and health.
National Application: Clover is tailored to the specifics of the Russian market and climate, making it more adaptable to local conditions and needs.
Support for Russian Initiatives: This system supports and promotes Russian developments in the fields of ecology and energy efficiency, facilitating the development of domestic green construction.
The Clover system thus represents an important step in the development of green construction in Russia, providing a reliable platform for assessing and improving the environmental and energy performance of buildings.
We previously reported that iCITY will meet LEED Gold standards.
