Laying the Foundations of a Sustainable Future – The Journey of the MEMS New Facility
The construction of the MEMS new HQ will support the needs of our workforce for decades to come. Reflecting the ever-increasing demands for sustainable construction materials and energy-saving initiatives, the green agenda lies at the core of this project.
The MEMS new Head Quarters opened in July 2024, and is a big milestone in our history. As MEMS approaches its 50th anniversary, the investment of £6 million in our new headquarters serves as a strong statement of our brand confidence and ambitions for the future.
Environmental Responsibility at the Core
It’s not just about bricks and mortar; our new building also showcases our steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. From day one, the project has addressed multiple environmental considerations to make the building as efficient and sustainable as practically possible.
Challenges of Demolishing the Old Building
It all started with the demolition of the old building, a task which posed many hurdles for our contractors. The contractors faced numerous challenges due to the age and historical construction methods and materials. Significant analysis of debris was required to ensure all materials were disposed of correctly and safely. We also took a local supplier approach wherever possible to minimise vehicle journeys and CO2; the old building’s concrete was crushed on-site and cleaned for reuse in the new building and car park.
Supporting Local Suppliers and Communities
We have a strong focus on using local suppliers wherever possible:
- Concrete delivered from our local depot in Cliffe arrived there by ship.
- We partnered with a recycling company in Swanscombe.
- Bricks sourced from Ebbsfleet and Tilbury.
- The main contractor is a Kent-based company.
- The roofing and cladding contractors are Kent-based, along with the window supplier.
- The electrical, mechanical and BMS contractors are all Kent-based.
- In total, over 50 local contractors will work on the project from start to finish.
The Transformation: Timelapse of Our New HQ Construction
Prioritising Employee Wellbeing & Energy Independence
Employee wellbeing has been a priority in our construction agenda from the outset. We are utilising a vast solar shading system to optimise the building’s internal thermal conditions. Our environmental commitment extends to installing significant solar PV arrays atop the facility. This setup renders it energy-autonomous, allowing MEMS to typically generate and sustain its own energy needs without relying on external sources. Additional eco-features include 18 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points, complementing the 8 EV chargers already in operation. A sophisticated water management system further mitigates flooding risks and minimises resource wastage.
A Headquarters Designed for Sustainability & Efficiency
The MEMS new HQ reflects our unwavering dedication to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The facility not only meets the high standards we set for ourselves but also demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Visit Our New Headquarters
The completion of our new headquarters marks a significant milestone in the MEMS journey, showcasing our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. To see our finished facility and learn more about how we’ve integrated environmental responsibility into every aspect of its design click here.
