USGBC Chooses Nokia's Jucu Factory As Leading Green Buildings

Nokia (News - Alert) recently announced that the United States Green Building Council, or “USGBC,” has selected the company’s Jucu factory in Romania as one of the world’s leading green buildings.

 

As the first award of its kind for a building in Romania, the Gold Rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or “LEED,” has been given in recognition of Nokia’s significant outlays towards the cause of cutting edge environmental features since its construction in 2007.

 

The USGBC accreditation is generally awarded to buildings that challenge existing standards in design and construction of the world’s most environmental friendly and energy efficient super structures.

 

The Nokia Jucu factory is among a small percentage of superstructures across the globe which has been given the prestigious LEED Gold rating. It is also the first building in Romania to be recognized by the USGBC for its environmental friendly features. Among Nokia’s other facilities, its China campus located at Beijing was the first to be awarded the LEED Gold certification in 2008.

 

Risto Meskus, managing director of the Jucu factory, said that the company is proud to be leading the way in creating truly sustainable buildings in the company’s operations.

 

“This achievement demonstrates our strong commitment and investment in sustainability, efficiency and environmental quality in the way we run our daily business,” Meskus said.

 

One of the many cutting edge and sustainable features integrated in the Jucu factory campus is the thermal envelope that surrounds the central portion of the building and renders it energy efficient. There is at least 25 percent energy savings as a result of high efficiency glazing, lesser lighting requirements and occupancy sensors to control heat and lighting wastages.

 

Additionally, the building has deployed a series of water saving appliances, including flow limiters. This reduces water consumption by more than 30 percent as compared to a normal building. Reducing the carbon footprint of the factory is another area of concern and has been borne in mind right from the construction phase.

 

At least 30 percent of the building materials used in construction was either sourced from recycled materials or from local vendors. And, around 50 percentof construction waste was also recycled. The factory’s waste management system has also been recognized by the USGBC as best in class. This system incorporated dedicated recycling of materials like production waste, cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and metals.

 

The use of sustainable and energy efficient transport solutions are also promoted by the company. A shuttle system is operational to reduce personal car transportation. There are 18 preferred parking slots available for low emitting vehicles. Bicycle sheds and showers have also been provided by the company. Employees’ comfort and welfare has been considered of paramount importance with provisions like lockers, catering facility, gym, health clinic and sauna being included to ensure the same.