Nobia’s new kitchen factory earns prestigious green building certification
– Our hard work toward sustainable kitchen production has been recognized by one of Europe’s most trusted sustainability certification bodies for buildings. The advantage of a certification level this high is that it required us to integrate sustainability early in the factory building construction process, from design to completion, says Anna Hamnö Wickman, Sustainability Director at Nobia.
Nobia has built Europe’s most modern kitchen factory in Jönköping, Sweden, using technology completely unique to the kitchen industry. The building is now certified according to the BREEAM Excellent environmental standard, which sets high demands and evaluates energy use, material choices, waste handling, and the work environment.
Before construction of the new factory began in 2020, several measures were taken to protect the ecological values of the surrounding area. Stormwater ponds were built, herbs and plants were relocated for future green spaces, and historically significant boulders were given a new home.
The energy consumption of the factory building is entirely sourced from renewable energy. The roof is equipped with 10,000 square meters of solar panels, with a total capacity of 2 MW – sufficient to cover almost all of the factory’s electricity needs.
Wood waste from the production is delivered to Jönköping Energi. In return, the factory receives district heating from certified renewable sources. Conditions for sustainable logistics have also contributed. A railway track leads directly into the factory and will enable Nobia to receive incoming raw materials and ship complete kitchens to customers via train.
For Nobia, sustainability through the entire kitchen lifecycle is in focus. This year, Nobia’s Swedish kitchen brand Marbodal is moving into the new factory. The kitchen range is Nordic Swan eco-labelled. Revolutionary technology minimizes harmful emissions and improves quality, extending the lifespan of the kitchens.
– Our investments in new production technology and the high sustainability performance of the factory enables us to manufacture kitchens with respect for the environment. Our new factory in Jönköping is a good example of how Swedish industry can contribute to the green transition, says Kristoffer Ljungfelt, CEO at Nobia.
About BREEAM
BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is a British environmental certification system for buildings, used as a tool to promote sustainable construction. For example, a building’s energy use, indoor climate, water management, and waste handling are assessed and scored. The evaluation also includes the level of innovation, project management, the building’s location in relation to public transport, choice of construction materials, and potential pollution caused by the building. BREEAM uses a points-based system where buildings are awarded a percentage score based on the criteria met. The rating levels are:
Unclassified: < 30%
Pass: ≥ 30%
Good: ≥ 45%
Very Good: ≥ 55%
Excellent: ≥ 70%
Outstanding: ≥ 85%
