How LEGO Doubled its Renewable Energy Capacity

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The new solar panels have been installed on recently constructed buildings and previously unused rooftop areas of the factory in Kladno
The LEGO Group has more than doubled its renewable energy capacity at its Kladno factory in the Czech Republic to reduce its environmental impact

With 2023 revenue of nearly US$10bn, LEGO is one of the most popular toys in the world. 

The LEGO Group is working hard to be more sustainable, with initiatives like encouraging people to “pass on” its timeless toys, pushing suppliers to become more environmentally friendly, using more sustainable materials and even linking executive bonuses to sustainability.

Its factory in Kladno, Czech Republic has completed another phase in the expansion of its rooftop solar park, increasing its total renewable energy generation from 1 MWp to 2.5 MWp. 

This substantial boost is equivalent to powering approximately 400 homes.

“Expanding our renewable energy capacity at our factory is a key part of our commitment to minimising the environmental impact of our manufacturing activities and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Michaela T. Horáková, General Manager of the LEGO factory in Kladno.

Michaela T. Horáková, General Manager of the LEGO factory in Kladno

“The newly installed solar panels are projected to reduce the factory’s overall carbon footprint by more than 9% of its total annual electricity consumption in the coming years.”

The new solar panels have been strategically installed on recently constructed buildings and previously unused rooftop areas, covering approximately 11,000 m² of space. 

LEGO’s commitment to renewable energy

LEGO's sustainability efforts extend far beyond the Kladno factory. 

The company has been steadily increasing its investments in solar capacity across its manufacturing sites globally, including facilities in Denmark, Hungary, Mexico and China.

In 2023, LEGO's total maximum solar capacity across these locations reached an impressive 15.6 MWp, representing a 16% increase compared to 2022. 

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LEGO also aims to include on-site and off-site solar facilities in its new factories in Vietnam, where operations will begin in 2025, and Virginia, USA. 

Additionally, it plans to construct a solar park in Billund, Denmark, with the goal of meeting the energy needs of its offices and facilities throughout the city where the iconic brand was born more than 90 years ago. 

LEGO’s wider sustainability efforts

The company has set an ambitious goal to replace oil-based plastics with renewable and recycled materials in its bricks by 2032.

To achieve this, it has tested more than 600 alternative materials to ensure they meet the company's stringent quality and safety standards. 

Notable innovations include arMABS, made from recycled artificial marble, and the upcoming ePOM, which utilises renewable energy and CO₂ from bio-waste in its production process.

Niels B. Christiansen, LEGO's CEO, says: “This means a significant increase in the cost of producing a LEGO brick.

Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of LEGO

“However, with a family owner committed to sustainability, it’s a privilege that we can pay extra for the raw materials without having to charge customers extra.”

“By designing bricks that last for generations, we aim to inspire endless creativity and stop Lego bricks from becoming waste,” adds Annette Stube, LEGO’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Annette Stube Chief Sustainability Officer, Lego Group (Credit: Lego Group)

“And alongside encouraging fans to keep bricks in play, we are continuing to explore more ways to repurpose Lego bricks through our takeback initiatives.”

LEGO has significantly increased its environmental spending, planning to double it by 2025.

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