The new offices are now open at the Toutley Depot, with the council declaring the base ‘one of the most energy-efficient council buildings in the borough’, as well as being in the top percentile of energy-efficient buildings nationwide.

With the former 1970s building having reached the end of its lifespan, the new offices have been built ‘with sustainability and flexibility in mind’ and the capacity to welcome up to 150 staff.

According to the council, the facilities are EPC A-rated and include ‘modular insulated construction, air source heat pumps, 12 electric vehicle charging points, sensor-based lighting and are ready for future solar panels’.

‘These features will help reduce our carbon footprint and keep running costs down’, said Cllr Katrin Harding, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency.

The depot serves as a base for the local authority’s fleet, consisting of refuse trucks, road sweepers, gritters, and response vehicles.

However, the building is also designed to foster ‘closer collaboration’ between Volker Highways, the local authority’s road maintenance team, FCC Environment, tasked street cleaning duties across the borough, and Tivoli, which manages green spaces for the council.

In a statement, the council explained that the ‘shared hub’ of the office space will facilitate ‘more efficient planning, faster decision-making and better coordination on essential services’.

Cllr Harding said: ‘This new building helps us keep the borough clean and green while minimising our environmental impact.’

She added: 'By investing in a sustainable base like this, we are giving our teams the facilities they need to deliver essential services efficiently while keeping costs and emissions low.’

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