Nokian's sustainable focus earns accolades for test center

SANTA CRUZ DE LA ZARZA, Spain—Nokian Tyres P.L.C. has achieved a sustainability certification for its 300-hectare tire test center an hour southeast of Madrid.

The solar-powered Visitor Center at the test center earned LEED v4 platinum certification (the highest level), and Nokian received recognition for an all-around green operation at the campus.

"I wish to thank our wonderful team, both in Spain and in Finland," Juha Pirhonen, director of technology projects at Nokian. "The result of the team's work is this stunning, beautiful and unique building."

The test center boasts 10 tracks, the Visitors Center and a plantation on which to study guayule.

About 21 percent of the energy generated by the solar panels is used to power the Visitors Center, and Nokian employs sustainable water management with low-flow fixtures; and by using stormwater for irrigation.

The tire maker dedicates 25 hectares to wildlife and ecosystem preservation, as owls, hawks and other birds live there. The company also plants Holm oaks and other trees on the site.

"Platinum is an excellent result on LEED v4 certification. The bar has been set high, and we received good points especially on very good energy efficiency and energy performance," Pirhonen said.

On the green raw material side, Nokian works with academic and other partners in studying guayule. The on-site plantation is maintained by local farmers.

Nokian Tyres is based in Nokia, Finland, in the southern part of the country.