08/07-09 - Pressemeddelelse

Widex A/S builds CO2 neutral headquarters

Widex A/S is building new headquarters in Allerød north of Copenhagen. The new building, which will house more than 600 employees, is a prime example of an innovative, environmentally friendly building.

Widex' new headquarters combines the use of renewable energy with the maximum recovery of energy. A variety of energy-conserving and environment friendly measures based on new as well as more well-known methods makes the building unique from a green perspective.

The geothermal system, where groundwater is used like a heat reservoir, is the first of its kind in Denmark. The system is very effective, reducing CO2 emissions by seventy percent compared to traditional heating systems.

Widex has also hopes to mount a windmill at the headquarters, and this will deliver more power annually than Widex uses in total. If permission for the windmill is granted, the company will not only be CO2 neutral, but excess power will be able to be delivered to the electricity grid, providing a CO2-free contribution to the local area.

Other features of the building are also green in character. For example, the building is equipped with a total of 20,000 solar panels spread out over 600mÂ², and the rainwater from the roof is collected and used for flushing toilets.

The combination of visionary and pragmatic considerations has been the main motive for the company. "The building has required some large investments, but considering the increase in energy prices, we think the money will be well invested in the long run", says Jan Tøpholm, CEO & President of Widex.

Widex is one of the world's leading hearing aid manufacturers, and the building's green qualities reflect the family owned company's culture and innovative capabilities. "As a hi-tech business we have an obligation to help respond to the environmental challenges we face in our society," emphasises Jan Tøpholm.

The finished building is expected to be ready to move into by February 2010.