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'Think Blue. Factory.' initiatives drive Volkswagen Pune Plant's sustainability commitment forward

By Niranjan Mudholkar,

Added 18 September 2014

Continues to enhance environment-friendly and sustainable production.

Achievements* in detail (with base value from 2013)

Specific Waste Generation: -20.8%: Amongst the five key measurable areas, maximum reduction has been achieved in Specific Waste Generation. In the first six months of 2014, there has been a reduction in Specific Waste Generation by 20.8% owing to the Paint Sludge Recycling process installed towards the end of 2013.

Specific Water Consumption: -5.2%: Remarkable progress was also noted in the area of fresh water consumption at the Volkswagen Pune Plant. There was a total reduction of 5.2% in consumption of fresh water during the production process of each car. Various measures implemented in mid-2013 have now started showing results in the reduction of water consumption.

The backwash water required in water treatment plant is optimised by reducing the backwash frequency which results in water saving. Also the addition of aerator faucets and pressmatic taps to the basins of wash rooms adds to the water conservation. 

Specific Energy Consumption & CO2 Emissions: -2.5% & -0.6% respectively: Along with the positive reduction in Waste Generation and Water Consumption, Volkswagen India made successful progress in areas of Energy Consumption and thus, effectively reduced the CO2 Emissions. The major reduction in specific energy consumption is due to the natural gas reduction in the Paint Shop.

The oven burner and TAR temperatures have been reduced to save natural gas consumption. Also the paint booth air supply unit operation logic has been modified to supply controlled air parameters, thus saving natural gas. With lesser energy being consumed, there was also a direct reduction in CO2 Emissions.

Andreas Lauenroth, Executive Director - Technical, Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, "At Volkswagen, we want to be a global leader in the automotive industry and this is not merely in terms of sales or technology and innovation, but also in areas of environment and sustainable manufacturing.

"For the coming years, we have a clear staircase of projects lined up which will help us in achieving our 2018 ‘Think Blue. Factory.' goals." He added, "We are proud to have achieved these results so far and they make me optimistic about the future. We have an uphill task from here onwards and every small saving will require double the efforts."

*Please note that all figures are specific figures, which indicates the values per car.
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