Construction begins on the LEGO Group’s new carbon-neutral run factory 

Construction has officially begun on the new carbon-neutral run LEGO factory in Virginia, USA, which is set to open in just two years.

The LEGO Group continues to show its dedication to invest in renewable energy, as the factory is a $1 billion investment with an on-site 35-40 MW solar plant, which will generate the same amount of energy that can power approximately 10,000 American homes. The factory will also have ground and rooftop solar panels, supporting the company’s ambition of the solar plant matching the total annual energy requirements of the site, and is set to open in 2025.

Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer of the LEGO Group said: “We are working hard to reduce emissions at the LEGO Group and are really excited about our plans to build this solar plant as we push towards a better world for our children to inherit.”

The factory will be designed to support the company’s ongoing sustainability ambitions, which include reducing its absolute global carbon emissions by 37 per cent by 2032. It will also aim to achieve zero waste from the factory to landfill, as is the ambition of all of the LEGO Group’s operations.

In addition to the focus on renewable energy, the site will open up 1,760 jobs in the area of Chesterfield County near Richmond, Virginia, USA. The LEGO Group has already begun recruiting for 500 positions to join a temporary packing facility that’s due to open in the first half of 2024. 

The LEGO Group will also be supporting the local community by donating over $1 million to charitable organisations who help local children from disadvantaged backgrounds with learning through play programmes.

The focus on giving back to the community remains at the forefront of the LEGO Group’s aims, as the children in the greater Richmond area used LEGO bricks to share their design ideas for the land around the factory. The many creative designs aim to make the area welcoming for not just visitors, but also for the plants and animals.

As Carsten Rasmussen also noted: “We are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the community and giving children opportunities to realise their potential. We look forward to working with local partners and organisations to support initiatives that inspire kids.”

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