Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, discusses how industry leaders can drive sustainability.

Oscar Acoustics’ new HQ has been independently classified as a ‘Net Zero emissions’ building, achieving an A+ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, placing it in England’s top 0.35 per cent of energy-efficient buildings (photo: Hufton+Crow).

Reducing carbon is no longer a concern for just certain areas of construction and building design, it’s a shared responsibility for everyone. Those at the forefront of the industry hold the power to set the tone for widespread change, influencing their own operations as well as the decisions of their customers and supply chains. It’s why at Oscar Acoustics, we take environmental responsibility extremely seriously. We believe that achieving it is about action, not just aspiration. Our recent milestone, receiving the prestigious ‘Green Plaque’ status, demonstrates that companies within the built environment can lead the way in environmental responsibility while continuing to innovate and thrive.

SonaSpray fc in White and SonaSpray K-13 Special in Light Grey applied to ceilings throughout Manhattan loft style offices in the Oscar Innovation Centre (photo: Antonia Stuart).

Walking the talk: making sustainable decisions 
As one of Britain’s leading providers of architectural acoustic finishes, we’ve long championed sustainable building solutions. Our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint has driven us to set bold targets and take tangible steps toward net zero. The latest example is our new headquarters, the Oscar Innovation Centre, which recently received ‘Green Plaque’ status, a third-party certification that sets the benchmark for sustainable new builds.

Alongside this, our HQ has achieved an A+ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, placing it in England’s top 0.35 per cent of energy-efficient buildings. It’s also independently classified as a ‘Net Zero emissions’ building, making it a model for future developments. These achievements reflect our wider approach – to reduce our environmental impact in whichever way we can.

The Oscar Innovation Centre, Halling, Kent. Book your tour today to view Oscar Acoustics’ full product range in a real-life setting (photo: Hufton+Crow).

Beyond compliance: a business imperative
Yet the role of sustainability and ESG efforts touches on a broader point: sustainability and carbon reduction should not be viewed as a compliance exercise but as an essential part of any business strategy. Companies that integrate sustainability into their core operations see benefits far beyond regulatory approvals. These include long-term cost savings, improved brand reputation, and increased customer trust. It’s a mindset that all sectors must embrace, be it a contractor, subcontractor, architect or supplier. For us, carbon reduction isn’t just about meeting minimum standards, it’s about exceeding them.

SonaSpray K-13 in Mid Grey throughout Henrietta House, achieving both BREEAM Excellent and WELL Platinum accreditation (photo: Hufton+Crow).

The ripple effect: driving industry-wide change
The choices we make can also impact entire industries. By embedding sustainability into our products, operations, and supply chains, we create a ripple effect that encourages others.
For architects, this approach is key to achieving lower-carbon outcomes, giving them greater confidence in both the building materials they use and the companies they choose to work with.

At Oscar Acoustics, however, we’re not just focused on making our headquarters greener but also helping other buildings do the same. Our SonaSpray range of acoustic decorative sprays, made from fire-treated recycled paper, is a perfect example of how sustainable materials can be integrated into mainstream construction.

SonaSpray K-13 in Mid Grey throughout HANA Windmill Green, achieving a BREEAM Outstanding Rating in Manchester’s greenest building (photo: 2022 Industrious National Management Company LLC. All rights reserved).

These products not only enhance acoustic performance but also contribute to leading green building certifications, including:

• WELL Building Standard – Supporting occupant health and well-being
• BREEAM – Setting the global standard for sustainability
• SKA Rating – Measuring the environmental impact of office fit-outs
• Living Building Challenge – Encouraging regenerative design
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – Adding up to 17 points toward certification

Additionally, SonaSpray carries GREENGUARD Gold certification, ensuring optimal indoor air quality (IAQ), a crucial factor in sustainable building design.

Leading the way
The construction sector is under increasing pressure to decarbonise, and we can all play a crucial role in making this happen. It’s no longer enough to produce high-quality materials, we must care and think about the environmental impact of our individual business operations. We can no longer afford to wait for government policies to dictate change either. Instead, we must lead by example. Our work at the Oscar Acoustics Innovation Centre has shown that sustainability is not a hindrance to success but a catalyst for it.

But this is just the beginning. We are committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and challenge others in the industry to do the same. For now though, we’ll continue our sustainability journey, striving to do the right thing whilst challenging our thinking and innovating along the way.

Contact Details
For more information and technical support, call 01474 854902, email or visit the Oscar Acoustics website.