Solar energy drives sustainability efforts for Nokian

DAYTON, Tenn.—Energy derived from the sun has helped Nokian Tyres P.L.C. save the equivalent of burning 1,000 tons of coal.

Or driving 1 million miles.

The Nokia, Finland-based tire maker said the three-megawatt solar panels that power the firm's administration building, campus and part of its plant in Dayton, Tenn., have saved that much energy in the first half of 2022. It is part of the company's commitment to one of its core values: Sustainability.

Nokian Tyres said the energy generated by the solar panels is equal to a reduction of 1.07 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle; or 1,000 tons of coal; or 55,313 gallons of gasoline.

The solar panels accounted for more than 5 million kilowatt hours of energy since monitoring began in 2021, an average of 10,300 kilowatt-hours per day. That amounts to a savings equivalent of more than 11,000 pounds of coal each day.

Darren Bakkestuen, Dayton factory EHS manager, said the company remains "committed to minimizing our environmental footprint while making safe, sustainable tires at a world-class facility."

According to Nokian, the Dayton factory is the only tire plant in the world to earn LEED v4 Silver certification. The administration building earned LEED v4 Gold certification last year, fully powered by energy generated by on-site solar panels. The building features a sauna, gym and canteen.

Last October, the Tennessee Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award was awarded to Nokian for its environmental efforts in Dayton. The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association named Nokian its Company of the Year in 2021 as a tribute to its workforce impact, safety policies and sustainable practices.

Nokian said it is the first tire company to remove high-aromatic oils from its tire compounds, and around 90% of its tires are in the lowest categories of rolling resistance, helping reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency.

Opened in 2020, the Dayton factory produces tires tailored for North American conditions. The facility's nameplate capacity is listed as nearly 4 million tires per year. The company employs approximately 350 at the facility.