Agrifac works on energy-neutral factory

Dutch sprayer and sugar beet harvester maker Agrifac is about to start building a new factory and offices at Steenwijk, the design of which will be completely energy neutral. The company has applied for the BREEAM sustainability certificate, an internationally recognised quality label that assesses buildings on nine different sustainability categories. One of the requirements is the placing of 3,000m2 of solar panels. Globally there are more than 542,200 BREEAM certified developments, and almost 2,239,200 buildings registered for assessment in 77 countries since it was first launched in 1990. Assessments are carried out by independent, licensed assessors, and developments rated and certified on a scale of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding. Agrifac is after the highest score. “We develop each to a ‘4 e’ concept, meaning efficiency, economics, ergonomics and ecology are directing our work,” said CEO Peter Millenaar. “It is only natural that we also want our housing to meet the same conditions. Not only the offices, but also the factory. It has to be a pleasant and safe place to work, and our neighbourhood needs to be reassured that it is safe and clean around our factory.” “We are sure that at the completion in July 2017, we can show that Agrifac is committed wholeheartedly to a smaller footprint.” B