The Batticaloa factory of apparel maker, Brandix, is the world’s first manufacturing facility to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status. This means that the Brandix factory in Batticaloa has completely neutralized its environmental impact through carbon dioxide emissions, by being highly energy efficient and using on-site renewable energy resources.
Recognised by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), the ‘Net Zero Carbon’ certification is issued by the Leonardo Academy and comes in the background of countries around the world examining ways in which to minimise their contribution to climate change.
“In 2007, when we began our journey in Sustainability, we envisioned Brandix becoming the most sustainable apparel manufacturer in Asia. Soon after, we went on to achieve a global milestone in 2008 by securing the world’s first LEED Platinum certification for our factory in Seeduwa” said Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix.
The achievement of this milestone is in alignment with Brandix’s commitment to the WGBC, where Brandix has pledged that all factories located in Sri Lanka, under the company’s direct control, will be Net Zero Carbon in operation by 2023.
To achieve this ambitious goal, its decarbonisation strategy involves on-site renewable energy generation – with Brandix currently adding 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.
“We welcome the sustainability leadership action demonstrated by Brandix in joining the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment,” said Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Building Council, Cristina Gamboa. “Brandix is setting an example in leading the transition towards net-zero buildings.”