The kitchen specialist Nobia’s new kitchen factory in Jönköping, Sweden, has received the prestigious BREEAM Excellence sustainability certification, which imposes strict requirements and evaluates aspects such as energy efficiency, material selection, waste management, and working environment.
The BREEAM-certification is a testimony to Nobia’s long-term strategy in becoming a world leader in sustainable kitchen production.
"Our hard work toward sustainable kitchen production has been recognised by one of Europe’s most trusted sustainability certification bodies for buildings," says says Anna Hamnö Wickman, Sustainability Director at Nobia. "The advantage of a certification level this high is that it requires us to integrate sustainability early in the factory building construction process, from design to completion."
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 minimises 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 enable us to manufacture kitchens with respect for the environment," says Kristoffer Ljungfelt, CEO at Nobia. "Our new factory in Jönköping is a good example of how Swedish industry can contribute to the green transition."
