Equinor to Upgrade Forus East into Modern Sustainable Headquarters by 2030

Equinor to Upgrade Forus East into Modern Sustainable Headquarters by 2030

(IN BRIEF) Equinor has confirmed it will keep its head office at Forus East and carry out a major refurbishment to create a modern, sustainable headquarters for around 4,500 employees in the Stavanger region. The phased upgrade, scheduled for completion by 2030, will reuse around 80% of the existing building structure and introduce energy efficiency improvements, better internal flow, greener spaces and improved access to public transport and cycling routes. Following a detailed evaluation of multiple alternatives, the Equinor board concluded that further development of Forus East offers the best balance of sustainability, functionality and long-term value.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 12-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Equinor has decided to retain its head office at Forus East, following an extensive review process that assessed multiple long-term alternatives for its Stavanger-area headquarters. The decision includes a comprehensive upgrade and refurbishment of the existing facilities, transforming them into a modern, sustainable head office that will bring together all Equinor employees in the region under one roof.

The renovation will significantly enhance the current building while preserving much of its existing structure. Approximately 80% of the current building mass will be reused, supporting circular economy principles and reducing the environmental impact of the project. Energy efficiency measures will be introduced throughout the refurbishment, which will be carried out in phases and is scheduled for completion by 2030.

Equinor’s Chief Executive Officer, Anders Opedal, said the decision reflects a careful balance of strategic, operational and sustainability considerations. He noted that Forus East has a strong historical connection to the company and offers the opportunity to create a cohesive working environment for approximately 4,500 employees across the Stavanger region. By consolidating teams in one upgraded location, Equinor aims to strengthen collaboration, improve workflow and support a positive working culture.

The location of Forus East was a key factor in the decision. Situated close to public transport links and Stavanger Airport, the site supports sustainable commuting options for employees across the region. Opedal highlighted that the area has served Equinor well for four decades and will continue to do so well into the future following its transformation into a modern headquarters.

Planned improvements focus on functionality, accessibility and wellbeing. The refurbishment will enhance internal flow between buildings, reduce distances within the complex and introduce more green elements. A key change includes relocating the main entrance towards the south-east, improving access to public transport connections and cycling infrastructure. The development plans also include the creation of a new green park, forming part of a broader green corridor with pedestrian and bicycle paths along Petroleumsveien.

The decision follows a structured evaluation process initiated in October 2024, prompted by the expiry of the current lease in 2030. Equinor assessed three strategic paths: upgrading existing facilities, constructing a new head office on company-owned land at Forus West, or relocating to new premises elsewhere in the Stavanger region. After reviewing twelve proposals from the real estate market and narrowing them down to three final options — Forus East, Paradis, and Elveparken in Sandnes — the board concluded that further development of Forus East offered the strongest overall solution.

Currently, Equinor’s Stavanger-area head office functions are spread across four buildings: Forusbeen 50, Svanholmen 8, Kanalsletta 3, and Vassbotnen 23. The refurbishment project will consolidate these operations, reinforcing Forus East’s role as Equinor’s central workplace in the region. Originally completed in 1981, the building will now enter a new phase designed to support Equinor’s future needs while respecting its history.

Press contact:

Sissel Rinde
Vice president Media relations
Corporate affairs
sisr@equinor.com
+47 412 60 584

SOURCE: Equinor ASA