A Speyrec building in the West of Scotland Science Park, in which occupiers pay nothing for heating or air conditioning and very low electricity bills, was opened by Glasgow's Lord Provost Bob Winter.
The large, 31,000 sq foot, ?4.5m Venture building is Scotland's first speculatively built development to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.
With Glasgow holding the City of Science accolade for 2011, Venture will play an important role in developing the scientific and engineering capacity of Glasgow.
At the opening on 25 November the Lord Provost, who laid the first floor tile for the atrium, said: 'This building sets a benchmark for sustainable building which we will see increasingly in new developments in the city.
'Glasgow's reputation as a leader in energy efficiency and sustainability is growing and will continue as we re-balance our economy towards science and engineering in the future.' Located just off Maryhill Rd, Venture has eco-credentials including an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate and its own 11kW Gaia wind turbine.
Alexander Haig of Speyroc said: 'Science and technology occupiers demand very high environmental standards today.
'As a result, the building has been designed to use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning for cooling.
'Our detailed modelling ensures that all of the CIBSE guidelines and criteria have been met.
'We already have a good degree of interest from innovative scientific companies, who not only like the building but also its location in the Park.
'Many of these companies have outgrown existing premises, as the WOSSP continues to be a centre for scientific excellence.
'With the added benefit of very low bills, flexible office and laboratory space and a good mix of like-minded companies in the Park, we hope to see the Venture building in full use soon.' Use restrictions at the park, which is owned by Glasgow University and managed by Scottish Enterprise, mean that occupiers have to be engaged in science or technology.
Companies on the park cover a wide range of science and technologies, including: Clyde Space, which supplies small satellites and spacecraft systems; M Squared Lasers, which produces next-generation lasers for bio-medical, security and industrial uses; and the Glasgow Memory Clinic, which researches Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Companies at the park frequently collaborate with each other on joint projects, or with the nearby universities.
Located on the north-west edge of Glasgow, the park is adjacent to Glasgow University's Veterinary School and the Beatson Institute's Cancer Research Centre, offering further opportunities for research and development partnerships.
For tenants, Speyroc offers a bespoke fit-out and is happy to fold the costs of this into the monthly rent so that the client doesn't have to pay a lump sum upfront.
