Why S.A.F.E. is important to stakeholders?

Institutional Investors (VC, PE, fund managers, REITs and more) – so they would know if an investment was planned, moving towards, or completely government compliant.

 

Banking and insurance - so they would know if an investment was planned, moving towards, or completely government compliant.

 

Landlords - so they would know if a potential investment was planned, moving towards, or completely government compliant, making it easy for them to approve lease negotiations.

Lawmakers and regulators - so they understand the standards and have certain amount of buy in. While government officials may not initially ‘approve’ the standards, involving AP sign-off will confer official status. Once better relations are established, government officials could be invited to join the S&C Steering Committee in an ex-officio capacity to foster further understanding.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

HOW TO CHECK THE STATUS?

To check if the facility has applied for S.A.F.E. and approved by an AP, you can look for a certificate bearing the date of certification and the expiration date at their facilities.

Also all of the approved facilities will be listed here.

WHAT DO THE CERTIFICATIONS MEAN?

Gold: The Authorised Persons have certified that the existing site meets all Fire Services Department (FSD) and Buildings Department (BD) requirements and should pass inspection with those authorities.

Silver: The site is not 100% compliant but the operator has presented a credible plan and is moving forward to renovate in such a manner that their site should be compliant once renovations are completed.

Bronze: Bronze is only for plans to build a self-storage site. The plans have been reviewed by AP that certifies that if the site is built out according to the certified plans, it should expect to pass inspections by the FSD and BD.

WHO VERIFIES THE STATUS OF THE OPERATOR TO DECIDE TO CONFIRM THE AWARD?

Knight Frank is a global real estate solutions firm and its relevant staff hold an Authorised Person status in Hong Kong.

Knight Frank will review all AP provided documents and, where applicable, conduct inspections before making a determination as to whether or not an award is merited.

IS THE ACCREDITATION PERMANENT?

No. The accreditation will require renewal depending on its level.


Gold - is renewable every three years.

Silver - must be renewed annually

Bronze - is a one-time certification that applies to the relevant documentation submitted. Once built, facilities would logically apply for Gold.