Seven hundred A380 design engineers and project staff have moved into a prestigious new £14 million office complex at Airbus' Bristol site in the UK. Today Lord Sainsbury, UK Minister for Science and Innovation, visited Filton to formally open the new building - the design of which has already been highly rated in an independent environmental assessment.
The 21st Century office complex provides many modern innovations for an efficient and comfortable working environment for the hundreds of staff who work on the wings, fuel system and landing gear for the Airbus flagship for the 21st Century the A380 superjumbo.
The open plan offices feature an automated energy management system which eliminates water and electricity wastage, helping to make it both cost-effective and environmentally-responsible; two atriums with informal seating provide pleasant relaxing areas for staff to take breaks; and, reinforcing the company's commitment to 'green travel', cycling to work is also encouraged with ample bicycle parking and cyclists' showers.
The new building is the first of four office complexes planned over the coming years to bring people together in a more efficient working environment. Including new buildings, investment at Filton in both engineering and production facilities is planned to total more than £300 million by 2005.
The Avon Building achieved the high rating of Very Good" in the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) environmental assessment carried out at design stage. BREEAM provides authoritative guidance on ways to minimise the adverse effects of buildings on the local and global environments. Environmental performance is assessed under nine main categories: management (of the building and occupant organisation), health and comfort, energy, transport, water consumption, materials, land use, site ecology and pollution. - -ends- " UK Minister For Science And Innovation Opens Airbus' New A380 'Green' Office Building In The UK
