Award for OrbisEnergy Building

The Green Organisation is an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.

OrbisEnergy started on site in spring 2007, was completed on September 12 and will be opened officially on November 7. Sustainability has always been high on the agenda, using the latest Building Management Systems technology, to reduce energy use and carbon impact.

Located 100m south of Ness Point - the most easterly point in the UK - the new building provides approximately 30,000 sq ft of managed office space with conference and exhibition facilities for small to medium 'start up' businesses in the renewable energy industry.
The latest Building Management Systems technology have been used to reduce energy use and carbon impact.

Designed with a striking glass atrium over its reception, the five-storey structure is built on stilts providing secure undercroft car parking. Permeable rain-screen cladding and brise-soleil have been designed to guard against harsh seashore conditions and shade occupants from bright coastal sunshine. With ventilation/heat recovery, comfort cooling, wind-catchers for natural ventilation, solar thermal 'tracker' hot water heating and exposed internal concrete structure, year round temperature fluctuations are reduced, making the building energy efficient and self-regulating.

Heating comes from a locally sourced woodchip biomass boiler and the building is designed to meet BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environment Assessment Method) standards, reflecting its low environmental impact. Provision for future rainwater harvesting has also been included.