Sri Lankan apparel firm Brandix aims at achieving cent per cent carbon neutrality by 2023 to record a zero carbon footprint and setting a benchmark in the manufacturing sector. It has invested $28 million under a five-year strategic plan to achieve this goal at its factory in Batticaloa that notched the world’s first Net Zero Carbon status this year.
Recognised by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), the ‘Net Zero Carbon’ certification is issued by the Leonardo Academy.Sri Lankan apparel firm Brandix aims at achieving cent per cent carbon neutrality by 2023 to record a zero carbon footprint and setting a benchmark in the manufacturing sector. It has invested $28 million under a five-year strategic plan to achieve this goal at its factory in Batticaloa that notched the world's first Net Zero Carbon status this year.#
The company’s decarburisation strategy involves on-site renewable energy generation, the addition of nearly 20MW of solar and biomass to its current energy mix and resource optimisation strategies with installation of technologically-advanced and energy-efficient air compressors, HVAC systems, sewing machines, lighting and building fabric, according to a Sri Lakan newspaper report.
The company has also invested around $13 million on solar panels that will help it reduce carbon footprint and achieve a long-term objective of fully neutralising the impact on the environment from carbon dioxide emissions, Heminda Jayawardane, senior general manager, special projects, said.
The installation of a 1.65MW rooftop solar plant at the Batticaloa factory was initially Sri country’s largest solar installation. The 2,975 MWh annual energy yield exceeds the annual energy requirement of the premises.
Brandix secured the world’s first LEED Platinium certification in 2008. It employs over 43,000 workers in 38 manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
The company specialises in causal bottoms, intimate and active wear, woven and knitted fabrics and a host of apparel industry accessories.
Brandix launched its sustainability program focusing on minimising the negative impact of its operations on air, water and earth. Following the sustainability efforts, the Batticaloa factory has slashed carbon emission from 276.6g to around 56g to earn $1, water from 13.3 litres to 9.3 and diversion of 96 per cent of around 80 per cent water sent to landfill.
The building is designed according to US Green Building Council and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers building guidelines. (DS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
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