IndiaCSR News Network
PUNE: Volkswagen Pune Plant is one of the 27 Volkswagen production facilities worldwide which have adopted the ‘Think Blue. Factory.’ programme. The programme was adopted in India in 2012 and since then a number of initiatives implemented have yielded fruitful results. Now in the third year, the Volkswagen Pune Plant is well on its way to achieve the targets that have been set for 2018.
‘Think Blue. Factory.’ is an integral part of ‘Think Blue.’ initiative and focuses on environment friendly manufacturing of cars. The objective of this programme is to use resources more efficiently and to reduce emissions. ‘Think Blue. Factory.’ aims to make the manufacturing processes 25% more environment friendly by 2018.
This performance is measured across five key measurable areas – Energy Consumption, CO2 Emissions, Water Consumption, Waste Generation and VOC Emissions.
Volkswagen India has shown progress once again in the first half of 2014 in four out of the five defined measurable areas.Since the implementation of the programme at its Pune Plant, Volkswagen India has already achieved more than half of the target in three out of the five key measurable areas, i.e. Energy Consumption, CO2 Emissions and Waste Generation.
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 inmid-2013have 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 areasof 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 temperatureshave been reduced to savenatural gas consumption. Also the paint booth air supply unit operation logic has been modified to supply controlled air parameters,thus savingnatural gas.With lesser energy being consumed, there was also a direct reduction in CO2Emissions.
Mr. 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.
About ‘Think Blue’
‘Think Blue’ is more than just a concept or strategy. It is a holistic approach adopted by Volkswagen that embodies the goal of creating environmentally friendly products and solutions, encouraging more eco-conscious behaviour and contributing to a sustainable future. It is about being more responsible on the road and more environmentally conscious – not just in our cars, but everywhere, every day.
‘Think Blue. Factory’
‘Think Blue. Factory’ is an addition to the Volkswagen ‘Think Blue.’ portfolio including key measures in the area of vehicle production. The programme, which is concerned with efficiency improvements in production and the expansion of environmentally aware energy supplies, addresses all employees at the plants.
Volkswagen Group India
With its headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra, the Volkswagen Group is represented by five brands in India: Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Group has been present in India for the last 12 years and began its India journey with the entry of the ŠKODA brand in 2001, Audi brand and Volkswagen brand in 2007, Porsche brand and Lamborghini brand in 2012.
Each brand has its own character and operates as an independent entity in the market. Volkswagen Group India has over 25 models in India and 262 dealerships and is operating through two plants – Pune and Aurangabad. The Pune plant has a manufacturing capacity of 150,000 cars per year and is currently manufacturing Volkswagen Polo and Vento and ŠKODA Rapid. The Aurangabad plant caters to various premium and luxury models of Audi, ŠKODA and Volkswagen sold in India and has an annual capacity of approximately 89,000.
Volkswagen Group India is a part of Volkswagen AG, which is globally represented by 12 brands – Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Scania, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge), MAN and Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
