Brandix world first to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Batticaloa factory of Sri Lankan apparel solutions provider Brandix has become the world’s first manufacturing facility to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon’ status, the company said in a statement yesterday.

This signifies that the Brandix factory in Batticaloa has completely neutralised its environmental impact through carbon dioxide emissions by being highly energy efficient and using onsite 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 towards drastic 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, setting the trend for other manufacturers to follow in our wake,” said Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar.

“It is truly a monumental milestone for us, therefore, to secure another world first, by achieving Net Zero Carbon status for our factory in Batticaloa, as the first Sri Lankan company and apparel manufacturer to join in on the World Green Building Council commitment. Striving for excellence at every stage of our business, we will continue to work towards our goals in environmental sustainability on an inspired journey to lead the way and become a global benchmark.”

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 onsite renewable energy generation – with Brandix currently adding nearly 20 MW 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 WGBC CEO Cristina Gamboa. “As both the first Sri Lankan company and the first apparel manufacturer to commit to Net Zero Carbon buildings across its operations, Brandix is setting an example in leading the transition towards net-zero buildings in Sri Lanka and within its industry.”

This is the second major sustainability milestone for the Brandix Batticaloa factory, which achieved the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating in Sri Lanka, which is also the second highest rating in the world.