Bord na Móna has unveiled plans for a new multi-storey headquarters in Co Kildare, which will be mainly constructed of wood to reduce its carbon footprint.
Dublin-based Plus Architecture, which won the competition to design the Newbridge office, said the mainly timber structure will have a minimum usage of concrete and steel.
Bord na Móna said it consulted with its 240 employees on the design, which includes a gym, a 'mothering' room, a sensory room, a prayer or meditation space as well as gender-neutral toilets and showers.
CEO Tom Donnellan, who joined the company in 2018, said: "As a climate solutions company we wanted our new headquarters in Newbridge to deliver the highest standards in energy efficiency, waste management and biodiversity.
"Our new headquarters is targeting a BER of A2 and will be a fossil fuel free building with renewable energy generation on site and a high efficiency heating system."
Native Irish planting will be used in the external landscape to promote biodiversity in an urban setting and create vibrant spaces to be enjoyed by visitors.
Minister of State Martin Heydon said the plans, which will be submitted to Kildare Co Council, were a "vote of confidence" in the town.
He added: "This is a very big decision by the company to commit its long term future to Newbridge, amid pressure for them to relocate away from Kildare. This development, should it get planning permission, will greatly enhance the streetscape in Newbridge and is a great vote of confidence in the area.
"Bord na Móna's transition from a brown to green strategy is future proofing the company to ensure it continues to be a very important employer across Kildare and the Midlands for generations."
Bord na Móna has unveiled plans for a new multi-storey headquarters in Co Kildare, which will be mainly constructed of wood to reduce its carbon footprint.
Dublin-based Plus Architecture, which won the competition to design the Newbridge office, said the mainly timber structure will have a minimum usage of concrete and steel.
Bord na Móna said it consulted with its 240 employees on the design, which includes a gym, a 'mothering' room, a sensory room, a prayer or meditation space as well as gender-neutral toilets and showers.
CEO Tom Donnellan, who joined the company in 2018, said: "As a climate solutions company we wanted our new headquarters in Newbridge to deliver the highest standards in energy efficiency, waste management and biodiversity.
"Our new headquarters is targeting a BER of A2 and will be a fossil fuel free building with renewable energy generation on site and a high efficiency heating system."
Native Irish planting will be used in the external landscape to promote biodiversity in an urban setting and create vibrant spaces to be enjoyed by visitors.
Minister of State Martin Heydon said the plans, which will be submitted to Kildare Co Council, were a "vote of confidence" in the town.
He added: "This is a very big decision by the company to commit its long term future to Newbridge, amid pressure for them to relocate away from Kildare. This development, should it get planning permission, will greatly enhance the streetscape in Newbridge and is a great vote of confidence in the area.
"Bord na Móna's transition from a brown to green strategy is future proofing the company to ensure it continues to be a very important employer across Kildare and the Midlands for generations."
