Ordnance Survery’s headquarters, developed and constructed by Kier, has scooped a prestigious national development award.

Located at Adanac Park, Southampton, the world-leading mapping agency’s head office building, Explorer House, is one of the most sustainable buildings of its kind in the country, and its environmental credentials were recognised when it was awarded the Sustainable Achievement Award at the prestigious Office Agents Society (OAS) Development Awards held at a ceremony in London earlier this month.


The Development Awards are an annual celebration of the industry’s highest achievers meaning Ordnance Survey and Kier were up against some stiff competition.

Every aspect of sustainability was considered in the construction of Ordnance Survey's new headquarters. The need for artificial light was reduced with large north-facing windows; the temperature inside the building is controlled by an electronic management system (BMS) which opens and closes windows and controls heating and ventilation systems, to avoid excessive energy loss and achieve perfect working conditions.

A ground source heat pump provides heat to the building, food waste is composted and even the toilets are flushed with harvested rainwater.

The judges commented: "A great example of a developer working with a local occupier for a long-term solution that addresses the social, environmental and economic inputs required for a truly sustainable solution."

(CD/GK)