Deerns combines engineering with strategic insight to advise on adaptable, resilient, sustainable Life Sciences projects.
In today’s competitive and highly regulated Life Sciences environment, infrastructure must be both innovative and commercially viable. Engineering firms are expected to deliver not just technical solutions but also vision, strategy and a commitment to sustainability.
Deerns’ approach combines engineering expertise with a consultative and collaborative approach. This allows us to guide complex projects from concept to long-term viability while aligning with Europe’s sustainability standards and the Paris 2050 goals.
Case Study: Engineering Beyond Boundaries
Our approach can be seen in a recent collaboration where we worked with architects, developers, and stakeholders to shape a large-scale, future-focused campus.
" This is a complex Research & Design facility for a well-known chemical company.
Deerns collaborated closely with the architect and an investment broker to create a business case that aligned with the client’s goals of environmental responsibility and financial prudence. Initially centred on sustainable MEP services, our involvement in the project, located in the Netherlands, expanded to include advising on business, architecture and operations.
Our team advised on everything from site layout to maximising energy efficiency across campus utilities, enabling the client to make informed choices that balanced immediate functionality with long-term adaptability.
" The intention was to create a campus that would attract other investors.
With strategic foresight, Deerns guided the client through multiple development scenarios, aligning with this vision for an innovative and sustainable campus hub.
Deerns designed adaptable, modular spaces to meet specialised needs now while staying versatile and resalable for the future. This balanced approach:
- met unique requirements for specialised research
- aligned with market demand for standard offices and labs
- enhanced asset value and ensured long-term flexibility through engineering insight
Here’s where we exceed Compliance Targets
At Deerns, compliance is a foundation, not the end goal. Drawing on our extensive experience of past projects as well as our in-depth knowledge of local regulations, our team was able to design with durability in mind. Our process included:
- undertaking detailed assessments of sustainable materials, energy systems, and waste management practices
- evaluating each element to optimise energy usage and reduce emissions
- evaluating the feasibility of transitioning to renewable energy sources
- minimising long-term operating costs through sustainable choices
The result was that we were not only able to meet our extended scope of works, but also to exceed the client’s 2030 Approved Measures List (EML) and Paris Climate Agreement sustainability targets.
Holistic Energy Solutions for Campuses
In this project, the goal was to create energy-efficient solutions that benefit not just individual buildings but the entire campus. By adopting a holistic approach to energy management, Deerns explored options like centralised heating and cooling systems that could serve multiple tenants across the site, optimising resources use while cutting costs and emissions.
The energy strategy covered current facilities and future campus growth, and included:
- A scalable “heat and cold ring” system for new buildings
- Reduced energy costs for the client
- Potential revenue from providing energy to future tenants
Designing for Wellbeing and Productivity
" At Deerns, engineering is as much about people as it is about systems.
Recognising the importance of user experience, Deerns incorporates design elements that enhance comfort, wellbeing and productivity wherever possible.
This project centred around a user-centric planning process. Deerns facilitated workshops and surveys to understand the needs and preferences of those who would ultimately work in the space. Insights from these sessions informed everything from lighting and ergonomic furniture choices to the inclusion of green spaces and improved accessibility.
The Value of Trusted Advisory Relationships
In every engagement, Deerns seeks to build genuine relationships with clients, becoming a trusted advisor that clients rely on for expertise, transparency, and thoughtful guidance.
" This project was no exception: what began as a focus on sustainable engineering quickly evolved into a broader advisory role.
Today, Deerns is seen as an invaluable partner, offering ongoing guidance that empowers the client to make strategic choices confidently and effectively.
Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The path to a sustainable future in engineering is not built on standard solutions but on adaptive, insightful partnerships that evolve with the needs of our planet and its people. At Deerns, we view every project as a unique ecosystem, balancing technical innovation with environmental responsibility and user wellbeing. Our approach to engineering as an investment—an investment in both community and client—reflects our belief that the most successful developments are those that foster resilience and productivity in harmony with nature.
As we continue to serve as trusted advisors to our clients, our goal remains clear: to engineer spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also pave the way for a regenerative, resource efficient future for generations to come.
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