Atkins, the UK’s largest engineering and design consultancy, has moved its Derby operations to a fully refurbished ‘sustainable’ office which acknowledges some of the city’s heroes of past and present.

The move has also benefitted a number of local businesses, with 70% of the contract value for the refurbishment awarded to Derby-based suppliers.

A key feature of the new site, located in the RTC Business Park, London Road, is meeting rooms named after influential people from Derbyshire, such as Dame Ellen McArthur and Barnes Wallis, with biographies etched into the walls. Other heroes such as Brian Clough and Florence Nightingale are similarly remembered in a tribute to remind staff and visitors of Derby’s history and heritage.

The office design was also influenced by Atkins’ commitment to sustainability, with furniture such as desks and chairs all partly made from recycled material. Additionally the heating and cooling system is 40% more efficient than conventional alternatives, and 90% of the construction waste was saved for recycling and reuse. Going forward, all energy use will be monitored by Atkins’ remote technology system, promising both carbon and cost reductions.

Other features include lighting with motion and daylight sensors, and improved cycling facilities and showers to encourage ‘green travel’.

Atkins’ new Derby office address is:

Atkins
Trent House
RTC Business Park
London Road
Derby
DE24 8UP

The office houses some 240 staff working for Atkins’ rail, defence, aerospace, highways and transportation, and water and environment divisions.