Built for More: Inside Nova’s Sustainable Hub in Bad Urach
In the heart of Bad Urach, a new building rises as a symbol of innovation and environmental stewardship.
This state-of-the-art facility is Nova’s Germany, brand-new facility in Bad Urach that reflects our vision for responsible growth and is designed with advanced sustainable technologies and smart architectural planning. Merging cutting-edge technology with environmental consciousness, this building sets the bar for what a future-forward workplace can and should be.
A Fusion of Old and New
The new building is thoughtfully connected to three existing ones, proving that you don’t have to tear everything down to move forward. By preserving and reusing what was already there, we cut down on waste and made the most of valuable resources. It’s a great example of how sustainable growth doesn’t mean starting from scratch - it means respecting the past while building for the future.
Harnessing the Earth’s Energy: One of the innovative things about the building’s eco-friendly design is its geothermal heating and cooling system. It works by drilling over 150 meters into the ground to tap into the steady underground temperature, about 14°C, which helps keep the indoor climate comfy all year long. On top of that, it uses a heat pump and an energy recovery unit to grab heat from the exhaust air and reuse it, cutting way down on wasted energy.
Solar Power and Thermal Efficiency
The roof is decked out with solar panels that crank out over 60 megawatt-hours of energy each year. Plus, the building’s triple-glazed windows and insulated walls and roof (thanks to an advanced ETICS system) help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, making the whole place way more energy-efficient.
Intelligent Lighting and Shading
The building makes smart use of shading to let in plenty of natural light without letting things get too hot. Inside, the lighting setup is a clever mix of daylight and energy-saving LEDs that can dim as needed. Plus, motion sensors help the lights adjust based on whether someone’s in the room and how much sunlight is coming in. It’s a simple but effective way to save energy and keep the space feeling bright and comfortable
Water Conservation and Safety
An advanced water management system separates rainwater and wastewater. Collected rainwater is reused for non-potable purposes like irrigation and toilet flushing.
In labs and production zones, special safety systems retain extinguishing water to prevent groundwater contamination in emergencies.
Sustainable Materials and Waste Utilization
The building is constructed from environmentally conscious materials chosen for their durability and low environmental impact.
A waste utilization plan ensures that materials are recycled and repurposed whenever possible, supporting Nova’s goal to protect the surrounding natural landscape.
Integrated Design and Sustainable Mobility
The building pulls everything together - labs, production, shipping, and offices all - in one place. This means Nova no longer has to juggle operations across two cities. With everything under one roof, it’s easier for teams to work together, there’s less time spent walking around, and way less internal hauling of stuff. Bonus: there’s an underground parking garage with EV charging stations to support greener commutes.
Smart Building Management
A central Building Management System (BMS) integrates and monitors HVAC, lighting, security, and water systems in real time.
This digital infrastructure ensures optimal efficiency, safety, and comfort across the entire site.
A Green Workplace Built for the Future
This Nova-owned facility is more than a workplace. With open atriums, indoor and outdoor terraces, and the highest standards for green building, it offers a best-in-class experience for employees, one rooted in well-being, collaboration, and purpose.
Every choice we made, whether during construction or in the way we operate day to day, comes from a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and doing what's right for people and the planet. Our new home in Bad Urach isn’t just a building; it’s a step toward a future where the spaces we create actively contribute to a healthier, more hopeful world.
