The Business Village is proving that business and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Designed to reduce environmental impact while supporting the needs of modern occupants, our new building has become a living example of eco-conscious construction and smart design in action.
From concept to completion, the focus has been on creating a building that’s not only efficient but also comfortable and inspiring for the people who use it every day. Key sustainability goals included reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy—all without compromising functionality.
Tenant businesses leading the charge to Net Zero…
The building aims to achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM score, an internationally recognised sustainability standard. With a total floor area of 13,100 m², our new building features state-of-the-art energy systems, community-accessible facilities, and thoughtful construction methods that minimise environmental disruption.
Key performance indicators include:
A 48kWh PV array on our new build generating additional energy savings to our existing 150 kWh installations at our Wilthorpe site.
Design features include:
Tenants of Building 4 have given the facility a resounding vote of confidence in a recent post occupancy survey, praising everything from comfort and connectivity to sustainability and management. The results reflect the success of a design that prioritises environmental responsibility while offering modern, flexible spaces for local businesses.
The survey, conducted between October – November, gathered responses from users of the building including those utilising bothprivate offices, workshops but also the views of the onsite management team. Overall satisfaction was strikingly high, with 100% of respondents rating their overall impression of the building either 4 or 5 out of 5. Not a single participant rated their experience as poor.
Among specific workspace types, private offices and kitchens emerged as standout areas. All respondents rated the kitchen spaces either “Good” or “Excellent,” and over 90% gave the same high praise for private office satisfaction.
Climate Control & Lighting Earn Praise
Comfort-related metrics revealed largely positive results. The building’s temperature in both winter and summer was rated “just right” by most respondents, with only minor concerns expressed about warmth in colder months and occasional summer heat.
First through the door, Atkinson Building Consultancy loved their unit in our new building.
Lighting, both natural and artificial, was described as well-balanced. Natural light was rated “just right” by 24 respondents, with only three noting it was “too much.” Artificial light earned similar marks, indicating consistent lighting design throughout the facility. Ventilation also received strong ratings, with 24 respondents saying airflow conditions were optimal.
Security and Amenities Rated Highly
One of the highest-scoring aspects of Building 4 was security, with 27 respondents giving it a
perfect 10 out of 10. Ease of access and entrance control also received high ratings, with a
majority scoring them between 8 and 10.
Tenant Zoe Wadsworth charging her Renault Zoe at one of the Building Four EV charging points…
Among facilities, the communal kitchen stood out again—earning 15 perfect scores—while the shower rooms and lockers also received strong approval, especially for their cleanliness and availability.
Connected and Well-Managed
Tenants also praised infrastructure and IT provision, particularly Wi-Fi reliability and access to data and power outlets. Over 20 tenants gave these elements a 9 or 10, suggesting that digital connectivity is one of the building’s clear strengths.
Management was equally well-reviewed. Client services, onboarding, and ongoing support all received multiple perfect scores, with only a handful of respondents giving mid-range feedback. One respondent wrote informally that “support has been responsive and easy to access.”
The building’s surrounding natural environment emerged as a tenant favourite. With 27 perfect scores, green spaces and landscaping were widely celebrated. Other comments highlighted the value of greenery for our tenants’ and visitors’ mental wellbeing, relaxation, and visual appeal.
Green spaces and picnic tables are a tenant favourite on site.
This building sets a benchmark for The Business Village on how our future commercial developments can support both productivity and planetary health. As a highly valued tenant and user your feedback and involvement help us make this space even better.
Want to share your experience or suggest improvements?
We welcome your input. Please contact Kevin Steel our Sustainability Co-ordinator to
get involved in our ongoing sustainability efforts. Or check out our continually updated ESG strategy developed by our Martin Beasley (Chief Executive) which you can read on the link below.