Dogger Bank Operations and Maintenance Base wins Net Zero and Sustainability Constructing Excellence in the North-East awards

CENE is a business support organisation for the North-East construction, dedicated to delivering improved industry performance in order to achieve a better built environment. CENE are committed to working with industry, its customers, and the government to make change happen and deliver prosperity.

The awards are testament to the design of the Dogger Bank O&M base, which has been constructed in line with the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework to meet the highest energy efficiency standards. 383 Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed for renewable energy generation, along with 20 electric vehicle charging points for staff and visitors. Less visible signs include the timber framework for the office buildings, the recycled steel structure for the warehouse and the highly efficient heating and cooling system.

In the United Kingdom, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) provides an industry-acknowledged framework for determining the Net Zero Carbon (NZC) performance of the built environment, both during construction and operational stages. This framework incorporates two strands, one for NZC construction and one for NZC operations, both of which apply to the base.

The awards are shared with Ryder Architecture, headquartered in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, were responsible for the building’s design, Fairhurst who provided the civil and structural design, Bowmer & Kirkland who were responsible for construction of the base and CBRE who provided overall project management alongside Equinor.

Accepting the award on behalf of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Prepare for Operations Manager Andrew Saunders said:

“We are proud to have won the Net Zero and Sustainability awards for the Dogger Bank Operations and Maintenance Base. The design of the building was focused not only on its functionality to operate the world’s largest wind farm, but also on its sustainable credentials, and it is thrilling that the industry has recognised the work we have done."

The CENE Awards took place on Friday 16th June at The Grand Hotel in Gosforth Park, with the Dogger Bank O&M base having been shortlisted in the Net Zero, Building Project of the Year, and Sustainability categories. As winners of the Constructing Excellence in the North-East Awards, Dogger Bank will go forward to the National Constructing Excellence Awards later in the year and is hopeful for further recognition for the South Tyneside-located O&M base.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.