"We have balanced many dilemmas and considerations in this process and decision. I am confident that staying at Forus East is a good choice. We have a proud history in this area. I now look forward to being able to gather all of our 4500 employees in an upgraded and renovated building. It will facilitate close teamwork and a good working environment," says Equinor’s chief executive Anders Opedal.
Circular economy and good transportation alternatives
The decision to stay at Forus facilitates conservation, rehabilitation and refurbishment in a sustainable way. About 80% of the current building mass will be reused. Measures will be implemented to help make the building more energy efficient. The phased refurbishment will be completed in 2030.
"With the upgrade and refurbishment, we will get a modern head office. It has been important an important consideration for us that employees live across the region, where Forus has a central location. It is near public transportation hubs and the local airport. Forus East has served us well for 40 years and will continue to do so in the decades to come," says Opedal.
Better flow, more greenery and shorter distances
The aim of the refurbishment is to create a modern and functional head office and better flow between the buildings.
One of the renovation measures is to move the main entrance towards south-east. This will also provide a better connection to public transportation and the bicycle paths and facilitate sustainable transportation alternatives. A new green park has also been proposed in the development project. The park will be part of a new green avenue with pedestrian and bicycle paths along Petroleumsveien.
