ONYX at 215 Bothwell Street in Glasgow has secured the prestigious British Council of Offices (BCO) Award for Best Refurbished/Recycled Workplace in Scotland. CEG managed a £5million investment to reimagine this historic building last year.
The BCO awards programme recognises the highest quality developments and sets the standard for excellence in the office sector. The judges recognised the sustainable and creative approach taken by Glasgow based architects, Cooper Cromar, on behalf of CEG.
They felt that the design team had artfully crafted a series of connected spaces within the heart of the building and applauded ONYX for saving more than 40% embodied carbon. They were particularly impressed by the newly created entrance projecting out into the streetscape, making the building easily identifiable with a strong architectural presence.
By refurbishing the existing building, the team were able to significantly reduce the use of raw materials and limit the embodied carbon emissions that would have been generated through demolition and the production and transportation of new construction materials.
Equipment was upgraded and repurposed and innovative technologies have helped deliver further improvements to energy efficiency helping the building, and the businesses within it, reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
100% of the project’s waste was diverted from landfill and, with a focus on phasing out onsite fossil fuels, electricity is supplied through a renewable energy contract. Tenants can also benefit from cycle facilities and health club style shower facilities to encourage sustainable travel.
Grace Lewis, investment manager at CEG, said: “It’s fantastic to secure the prestigious BCO Award for Scotland. We were delighted that ONYX was commended for setting a high standard for delivering sustainable workspace, as well as recognising the design quality and innovation, digital resilience and future-proofing approach we have taken. The win means we are now in the national shortlist against the highest quality office developments across the UK.”
Graham Forsyth, director at Cooper Cromar, said: “ONYX is the home of Cooper Cromar which made the design, and the award win, all the more special. The new facilities, including the café and cycling amenities, along with CEG’s approach to health, wellbeing and productivity of those based in its buildings, has created a fantastic working environment for our fast-growing team.
“The rejuvenated building has been delivered to the highest standard and, post-covid, we are embracing a return to the ONYX office.”