11 new ‘High Volume Low Speed’ (HVLS) fans reduce energy and water consumption at the Volkswagen Pune Plant and improve working conditions at the Assembly line
Reduction in energy consumption equivalent to the annual energy consumption of around 120 Indian households
MUMBAI: Since 2012, Volkswagen Pune Plant has been consistently undertaking actions and initiatives to reduce the impact on environment due to manufacturing processes by 25% per car by 2018. With the successful installation of the HVLS fans, the production facility in Chakan has taken yet another concrete step towards achieving its set target.
The 11 new HVLS fans installed at the Assembly Line of Volkswagen Pune Plant would replace air handling units and ambiators which are used for proper ventilation and for creating comfortable conditions for humans to work. With remarkable saving of 436 MWh per annum and 1536 cubic meters of water consumption, there are positive results from the HVLS fans towards environment friendly manufacturing at the Volkswagen Pune Plant. The reduction in energy consumption is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of around 120 Indian households.
The air flow from the HVLS fans caters to up to 20 square meter area on each sub-line of the Assembly Line. The blades of the fans are aerodynamically efficient and move more air with less energy consumption. The fans provide uniform air circulation and ensure even temperature from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The fans are equipped with built-in variable frequency drive to suit all seasons and thus help in lowering down the energy consumption as per requirement. As an additional benefit, the highly aerodynamic blades of the fans contribute up to 80% towards noise reduction as compared to conventional fans.
“The new HVLS fans installed at our Pune Plant have resulted in further successful reduction of energy and water consumption. In addition to the environmental benefits, we have also ensured improved working conditions with cooler floors, especially in summers with the constant flow of air”, said Mr. Andreas Lauenroth, Executive Director – Technical & Plant Head, Volkswagen India Private Limited.
He further added, “A sizeable amount of ideas contributing to the Think Blue. Factory. initiative come from our employees. In case of the HVLS fans too, our Think Blue. Factory. Ambassadors, who are our think tanks and bridging links between our shop floor employees and management, were responsible for implementing this innovative and effective measure.”
‘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’s 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 program, which is concerned with efficiency improvements in production and the expansion of environmentally aware energy supplies, addresses all employees at the plants. Through the Think Blue. Factory. initiative, 27 Volkswagen production facilities across the world aim at reducing the impact of manufacturing on environment by 25% per car. This reduction is measured across key areas of Energy, Water, Waste, CO2 and VOC.
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 13 years and began its India journey with the entry of the ŠKODA brand in 2001. The Audi brand and Volkswagen brand entered India in 2007, while Porsche brand and Lamborghini brand followed in 2012. Each brand has its own character and operates as an independent entity in the market.
Also Read: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India an Overview – 2022
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 130,000 cars per year (in current two-shift system) 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.
