Oscar Acoustics’ new HQ awarded Green Plaque for sustainability
The Oscar Innovation Centre also achieved an A+ EPC rating and was defined as ‘net zero emissions’
Opening its doors in late May 2024, the vision for Oscar Acoustics’ new headquarters was to create a functional, stylish space that reflected our commitment to sustainability. With this in mind, we’re incredibly proud to share that the Oscar Innovation Centre has not only been awarded the Green Plaque but has also achieved an A+ EPC rating, defined by assessors as ‘net zero CO2 emissions’. The development also has an anticipated Energy Performance Asset Rating (Non-Domestic Building) of A+, putting it in the top 0.35% most energy efficient schemes anywhere in England. This incorporates more than twenty-five thousand assessments carried out in the first quarter figures of 2024.
“Overall, this report is well-researched and presented, and stands as a record for what looks to be an outstanding project that’s worthy of a Green Plaque.”
Peer reviewer – Adrian Lockwood Assoc RICS
What is the Green Plaque?
The Green Plaque is a national accreditation scheme awarded to homes, buildings and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to adopt high standards of sustainability and environmental performance.
From boosting efforts to reduce carbon footprints to implementing energy-efficient systems, the focus of the scheme is to identify construction projects where sustainable design and construction are at the heart of the development and positively changing the industry landscape. This award is given to buildings that incorporate sustainability and environmental standards as a key part of the design and construction.
This success builds on previous company certifications for Oscar Acoustics, including achieving Carbon Neutral status through gold-standard assessor, Positive Planet, in 2023. This highlights our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Oscar Innovation Centre offers a range of features aimed at meeting these goals. This includes the building being installed with 164m2 of roof-mounted solar panels which offset electricity usage, allowing us to run the building, charge cars and still contribute significant amounts of energy back into the grid.
Andrew Pook, Environmental Consultant from Green Plaque, said:
“This is an innovative development that sets high specification standards. It effectively and efficiently considers the new building’s environmental performance, and reflects how best to practically implement the project’s sustainability elements in its design and construction process.
“Sometimes a project comes along that just ticks all the boxes. Though the Green Plaque assessment is not simply about describing exemplary developments, this one is really quite exciting, and just shows what can be achieved when the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise is there.”
Looking ahead to a more sustainable future
“With our SonaSpray® range being made from rapidly renewable resources that sequester carbon, reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, sustainability is at the core of all our operations.” commented Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics.
“From the initial planning stages of the Oscar Innovation Centre, we knew that we wanted the space to reflect the care we put into ensuring our acoustic finishes offer both superior performance and extensive green credentials.”
“Receiving the Green Plaque accreditation is a testament to all the hard work that went into the project – and the amazing results we’re now able to enjoy every day.
Thanks again to all of those who played a part in making our dream a reality. We’re honoured by this recognition and will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable practices in acoustics.”
Architect – Urban & Rural
Main contractor – WW Martin
Project management lead – Ball Hall