ZF Industrial Park at Oragadam bags USGBC LEED Gold Certification

ZF has announced that its Industrial Park in Oragadam, Chennai has received the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

The LEED Gold Certification, awarded by the USGBC, is a prestigious recognition for buildings that demonstrate exceptional environmental performance and sustainability. This recognition signifies a high level of achievement in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovative design strategies.

This certification is especially important as this validates the ZF Group’s efforts to contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved occupant health and well-being, and a more sustainable built environment.

Akash Passey, President ZF Group in India said, "ZF’s Oragadam Industrial Park’s achievement of the LEED Gold certification is for its implementation of practical and measurable strategies in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials selection. Through innovative design and sustainable practices, this plant serves as a model for other industrial facilities. This certification is proof of ZF’s commitment to building a more sustainable future and its dedication to its multi-fold strategic goals .”

P Kaniappan, Managing Director, ZF Commercial Vehicles Solutions stated: “We are proud to achieve LEED Gold certification for our Industrial Park at Oragadam, India. We are happy that this recognition reflects our dedication to building sustainable facilities that minimise the environmental impact and creates a healthier working environment for our employees and the community. ZF's Industrial Park at Oragadam stands as a testament to the company's dedication to environmental responsibility and social impact. The LEED Gold certification is a significant milestone in ZF's journey towards a more sustainable future.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
LEED Gold Certification: The Oragadam Industrial Park has successfully met the requirements of the LEED building rating system, achieving the prestigious Gold certification.

Zero Emission Plant: The plant has been designed and operated to eliminate fossil fuel usage, resulting in zero emissions, saving 900 tons/year of CO2e emissions.

Fully Powered by Renewable Energy: The plant operates entirely on renewable energy, with 40% generated from on-site rooftop solar panels and the remaining 60% sourced from Group-Captive solar and wind energy sources.

Water Positivity: The facility has implemented water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting (1300 kl) and 100 % wastewater treatment, to achieve water efficiency.

Employee Well-being: The plant incorporates energy-efficient evaporative cooling systems and other features to create a comfortable and healthy working environment for employees.

The Oragadam Industrial Park which is ZF’s 10th facility in Tamil Nadu and 18th in India boasts several sustainability initiatives, including energy-saving measures such as highly efficient, customisable climate control Variable Refrigerant Flow systems with heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, insulated roofs, natural lighting, energy-efficient LED lighting, and spot cooling systems.

Water conservation efforts include rainwater harvesting, efficient fixtures, and sustainable landscaping. The park also prioritises the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, minimal construction waste, more sustainable low-VOC paints, improved ventilation, and innovative design principles to create a healthy and environmentally friendly workspace.