Bangalore, July 30, 2012: Electric vehicle manufacturer Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles (Mahindra Reva) has received the ‘Platinum’ Rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its all-new plant in Bangalore, which is slated to be inaugurated in September this year. With this, the plant becomes the first automobile manufacturing facility in India to receive this certification.
The IGBC Green Factory rating system is a measurement system designed to rate both new and existing factory buildings. Credits are awarded for adhering to mandatory requirements, site selection and planning, water, energy and material conservation, indoor environment quality, occupational health, innovations and design process.
Mahindra Reva’s 30,000 units per annum capacity plant will be among the greenest buildings in India. It has the mandate to be a completely eco-friendly plant – to manufacture cars with the lowest possible dust-to-dirt carbon footprint. Built using green-sourced materials and green methods, following the standards of the IGBC, the facility consists of a production unit, test administrative office block, conference area and technology demonstration area.
Among its highlights are a rooftop solar power plant to provide energy for industial use, street lighting and charging facilities for vehicle testing. An efficient rainwater harvesting system provides water and soil conservation strategies prevent erosion. To keep consumption of electricity low, the building optimises natural ventilation and lighting. For instance, a translucent honeycomb mesh covers the eastern side of the building to block out heat from the morning sun and minimise the need for fans and air-conditioning.
Commenting on the IGBC award, Dr Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said: “Mahindra Reva is all about creating the future of mobility solutions for sustainable living. With our new clean and green manufacturing facility at Mahindra Reva, we are in the process of establishing new benchmarks within the automobile industry. The IGBC Platinum Certification will go a long way in inspiring and enhancing our vision for a cleaner tomorrow”.
Speaking on the occasion, Chetan Maini, founder and chief of strategy and technology, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles, said, “We are delighted to receive the ‘Platinum’ certification from an esteemed body like the Indian Green Building Council. We have taken extreme care to ensure that our new manufacturing plant is a sustainable facility in all aspects and adheres to the universally set benchmarks of the IGBC. This certification is a validation of our commitment towards a greener tomorrow.”
C Shekar Reddy, chairman IGBC - Hyderabad Chapter and president, CREDAI Andhra Pradesh, added: “This milestone has further consolidated India’s leadership role in promoting green buildings. We are confident that that many more companies in India will go the ‘green’ way.”