Environmental Commitment at The Auction Rooms

We strive to be the best a modern business can be, and consideration of the environment is a major part of that. We opened our doors less than a year ago, but already we have taken a number of steps to improve our environmental impact and obtain an EPC rating of B (up two whole bands from a D in 2024), but this is just the start.

Below we've summarised the path we’re onto reduce energy consumption, promote sustainable choices, support ethical businesses, and give back to the local community.

Members of The Auction Rooms relax in the sun in Queen Street Gardens, a private green space just opposite their office.

Where We Started

Before 22 Queen street was The Auction Rooms, it was a classic Edinburgh New Town building - historic and charming, but in need of modernisation - with an EPC rating sitting at D in 2024. Property developer Mark McMeekin saw its potential. From the outset, Mark knew that it needed to have industry leading tech embedded in its design, in order to maximise its efficiency, which entailed a major overhaul of what stood before.

After much work, the interiors were transformed into a sleek, modern style, all the while retaining the soul of the 18th century townhouse.

With integrated smart lighting and heating, newly well-sealed windows, super fast internet, extra insulation and sound-proofing, among many other features, our EPC rating was bumped to B in October 2024 - a major achievement for such an old building. Read on to see what other changes we’ve made, and what we’re planning for the future!

Private Office suite at The Auction Rooms, brightly lit with natural light, and featuring ergonomic chairs and bespoke desks.

What We’ve Done

For The Planet

As mentioned above, Mark of property company Atom Group, implemented a major overhaul of 22 Queen Street to take our EPC rating from D to B – no small feat for a heritage building in the heart of Edinburgh. Many of the most effective changes are happening quietly behind the scenes, thanks to smart systems and thoughtful design choices.

Key initiatives include:

• Smart LED lighting by Lutron
  Operates on bespoke seasonal schedules and adapts throughout the day to suit occupancy and available daylight. In shared areas such as showers, cupboards, and storage spaces, sensor-activated lighting ensures energy is only used when needed.

• Lorawan smart heating system
  Responsive to usage patterns and member feedback. Members have manual control in private offices, but settings reset after an hour to maintain consistency. The system is remotely managed and allows for real-time adjustments.

• Improved insulation and well-sealed windows
  Enhances thermal efficiency throughout the building while preserving the character of the original architecture.

• Waste reduction through building-wide recycling and composting
  Clearly marked bins for general waste, recycling, and food waste are provided in every office suite and kitchen area to encourage responsible disposal and reduce landfill contributions.

Each of these choices reflects our ongoing commitment to operating more sustainably – not through sweeping statements, but through deliberate, impactful actions that work quietly in the background.

For People

While many of our sustainability efforts naturally benefit the environment, they’re also designed to improve the daily experience of our members and strengthen our ties to the wider Edinburgh community.

Highlights include:

• Commuting amenities
  We know that how our members travel matters. With tram and train connections just moments away, we actively encourage lower-carbon travel choices. For those who cycle, we’ve invested in secure bike storage and a repair station by Grease Monkey, as well as modern, hotel-style showers and changing rooms – combining practicality with comfort. For drivers, we’ve introduced electric vehicle charging points, with scope to expand.

• Supporting community and charity initiatives
  We regularly run in-house fundraising campaigns and are proud to support member-led charity projects. These initiatives help foster a shared sense of purpose while giving back to causes close to our members’ hearts.

• Collaborating with local businesses
  We continue to forge partnerships with independent, values-driven businesses in Edinburgh – from suppliers and service providers to cultural collaborators – creating a mutual benefit that supports the local economy while enriching our members' day-to-day experience.

Together, these actions are part of our commitment to nurturing a conscious, connected, and community-focused environment within The Auction Rooms.

Elegant luxury shower facilities at The Auction Rooms serviced offices

What We’re Planning

At The Auction Rooms, sustainability is not a fixed goal, but a continuous journey—one we are proud to walk alongside our members, as we learn and adapt together.

We are fortunate to work with a diverse and inspiring membership, many of whom operate in renewable energy, low-impact innovation, and climate-conscious sectors. We plan to draw on their insights, listen carefully, and continue learning from those at the forefront of environmental progress.

Internally, we are committed to offering additional training and support to our team, helping them feel empowered to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to our environmental ambitions. We also plan to seek new partnerships across Edinburgh, working collaboratively with other organisations that share our vision for a more sustainable and considered future for the flexible workspace sector.

We will continue to assess and refine the smaller, everyday details that shape our operations. From exploring more sustainable packaging for daily comforts to reducing single-use plastics wherever possible, we will commit to thoughtful, practical changes that reduce our environmental impact. We look forward to introducing soon our reusable glass bottles across the building—making it easier for members to enjoy our filtered water without the need for disposable alternatives.

We also plan to introduce gentle, educational signage throughout the space—subtle prompts that encourage small but impactful changes in daily habits. Whether it’s a reminder to switch off lights, reuse materials, or sort waste correctly, we believe these touchpoints will help reinforce a shared sense of responsibility.

Focussed work in The Whisky Room meeting room at The Auction Rooms

In the months ahead, we aim to support environmental and wellness-focused initiatives, beginning locally. We hope to offer opportunities for both members and staff to participate in green projects that align with our values. Through these initiatives, we will remain committed to leading by example—recognising that progress is not always sweeping, but often built on small, consistent actions and a willingness to keep learning together.

If you have any ideas for how our business could improve its environmental impact, please get in touch by writing to info@theauctionrooms.co.uk or leaving a comment below.