Brandix achieves world first in eco-friendly manufacture
Brandix has achieved a world first across all sectors, with its Green
Factory in Seeduwa becoming the first apparel manufacturing facility in
the world to be rated Platinum under the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System of the US Green
Building Council (USGBC).
Brandix CEO Ashroff Omar presenting President Mahinda Rajapakse
with a plaque to mark this accomplishment. Picture by Sudath
Malaweera |
The 130,000 square-foot Brandix Eco Centre, Brandix Casualwear's lead
manufacturing plant for global giant Marks & Spencer, achieved a score
of 76 on the 85-point LEED certification system, setting a global
benchmark for low energy consumption, water conservation, solid waste
management and low carbon emissions. It is the only converted Green
Factory in the world to receive the Platinum rating, the highest
standard in eco-friendly manufacture.
Formally inaugurated on April 25 this year by Marks & Spencer CEO Sir
Stuart Rose, the plant converted into an Eco Centre at a cost of US $ 3
million has achieved a reduction of carbon emissions by 80 per cent, an
energy saving of 46 per cent, a reduction of water consumption of 58 per
cent and zero solid waste to landfill, eco-friendly indicators as yet
unmatched by any re-designed Green Plant anywhere in the world.
"This is possibly one of the most satisfying milestones achieved by
Brandix in its short but meteoric history," commented Director Brandix
A.J. Johnpillai. "The fact that it is a global first for us, our country
and the apparel industry worldwide, makes it all the more significant,
and is a huge shot in the arm for our apparel sector in these
challenging times."
He said the score of 76 achieved by Brandix, 12 points higher than
the 64 required for Platinum status, demonstrated the degree to which
the Brandix Eco Centre had exceeded the planet's highest Green Factory
rating. "This is also a tribute to the local engineering skills
available and in particular to our consultants EnergySolve
International, whose knowledge and commitment were invaluable."
The conversion of the 30 year old factory into a Green manufacturing
location was made more challenging by the LEED requirement that at least
50 per cent of the occupants of the building had to remain in service
inside the building during its conversion, and Brandix's determination
that the energy conservation ratings required would be achieved with
air-conditioning, another requirement for Platinum status.
Air-conditioning accounts for about 70 per cent of the energy consumed
in a garment factory.
Brandix pioneered the concept of total solutions in the Sri Lankan
apparel industry. |