A sustainable office building in Manchester has been awarded the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Project of the Year accolade.

According to propertywire.com, the One Angel Square beat 600 other projects to the top prize. The building comprises the biggest commercial office space in Manchester and serves as the headquarters for the Co-operative Group.

Image source Photo: The Co-operative

Innovative sustainable construction methods and technology used

RICS recognised the One Angel’s innovation when it comes to sustainability. It remarked on the sustainable construction methods and technology used; especially noting the underground tubing which helps supply hot and cold air throughout the building for free – plus, the fact it is powered using pure plant oil.

In addition to being named Project of the Year, the building also boasts the best BREEAM rating for an office in the UK, reports insidermedia.com.

Sustainability and cutting-edge design can go hand-in-hand

Image source

Michael Newey, RICS president, said he was pleased to see that there were so many entries:

“Hats off to all those involved in One Angel Square for putting forward such a compelling entry.

“The quality of the development speaks for itself. As the first BREEAM ‘outstanding’ regional office building in the UK, it goes to show that sustainability, cutting-edge design and architectural appeal can go hand-in-hand.”

In the past, RICS top winners have included the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, St Paul’s Cathedral in London and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Author: Laura Varley    Date Written: 21 October 2013