Deb's New Global Headquarters

In 2009 Deb opened a brand new global headquarters, research development centre and European manufacturing site – known as the ‘Denby site’. Environmental considerations played a major role in justifying the investment, choosing the location of the new site, and within the design of the building.

The evidence:

• The new Denby site is on brown field land – a disused coal mine. The site is also closer to the UK trunk road network than the sites it replaces, removing heavy vehicles from residential areas and minor roads.
• The new site consolidates four separate premises in different countries, into a single building, dramatically cutting travel between operations. The Green Travel Plan for employees to the new site places great emphasis on the use of public transport, bicycles and car-sharing.
• The design of the buildings at the Denby site has been reviewed by consultants funded by the Carbon Trust - an independent company set up by UK Government in 2001 to work with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop low carbon technologies.
• The entire site, as well as chemical storage and usage areas, is bunded. This means that in the event of an accidental spill, the chemical would be contained on site, and not released to the sewage system or the ground.
• Internal partitions and ceilings have been constructed from recycled or natural materials wherever possible. Paint is organic and timber has been obtained from FSC certified sources.
• The new Denby building uses recycled rain water in the washrooms.
• The latest technology has been employed to minimise energy consumption, and reduce heating and cooling demands. Heat recovery equipment has been installed within the manufacturing areas. The buildings are insulated using very low thermal conductivity materials. External doors in the factory and warehouse are fast action and automatic. Within the offices and laboratories, temperature controls are localised, and controlled by timers and/or motion detectors.
• The offices in the new building exploit natural light. Where artificial light is needed, each light unit is activated by light and motion sensors. External lighting is dark skies compliant.