CHENNAI (India CSR): Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), the joint venture manufacturing company for the Renault-Nissan Alliance, has once again set a benchmark in sustainable practices by winning the prestigious ‘Wastewater Treatment and Recycling’ award from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Southern Region. This accolade, awarded in January 2025, recognizes RNAIPL’s extraordinary efforts in water conservation and sustainable water management.
A Legacy of Excellence in Water Management
Since its inception in 2010, RNAIPL has integrated water conservation into its core operations. This commitment to sustainability has earned the company several accolades over the years. In 2024, RNAIPL was honored as a ‘Green Champion’ by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and won the ‘Excellence in Water Management’ award at the CII’s Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) awards. Additionally, the company achieved water-positive certification from DQS, affirming its commitment to contributing more water back to the environment than it extracts.
Rainwater Harvesting: Meeting 90% of Industrial Water Needs
RNAIPL has implemented a multi-pronged water management strategy that includes large-scale rainwater harvesting. The plant boasts rainwater harvesting ponds with a storage capacity of up to 149 million liters, which fulfill 90% of the facility’s industrial water requirements. These ponds are fed by rainwater collected from various surfaces across the plant, ensuring year-round water availability while minimizing reliance on groundwater.
Recycling and Reusing 80% of Daily Water Consumption
A cornerstone of RNAIPL’s water conservation efforts is its robust wastewater treatment and recycling system. The facility recycles and reuses 80% of the water it consumes daily, processing up to 3 million liters of wastewater each day. This treated water is repurposed for various applications, including:
- Circulation in cooling towers.
- Cleaning solar panels and industrial jigs.
- Powertrain production.
- Producing demineralized water for industrial purposes.
Achieving a 48% Reduction in Freshwater Usage
RNAIPL’s comprehensive water conservation measures have led to a remarkable 48% reduction in freshwater consumption between 2022 and 2024—far surpassing its original target of a 21% reduction by 2030. Regular water audits, upgraded plumbing systems, and stringent water usage monitoring have been critical to achieving this milestone.
Extending the Impact to Local Communities
RNAIPL’s commitment to water sustainability extends beyond its plant operations. The company has worked closely with neighboring communities, rejuvenating 15 water bodies in the region. This initiative has improved water accessibility for local villages, reinforcing RNAIPL’s dedication to driving meaningful change at the grassroots level.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Speaking about the achievement, a senior spokesperson from RNAIPL said,
“This milestone is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth. At RNAIPL, we believe that industrial progress should go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. We are proud to set an example in water conservation and share our expertise with local communities.”
The Road Ahead
As RNAIPL continues to champion innovative water management practices, it stands as a shining example of how industries can balance growth with environmental responsibility. By embedding sustainability into its operations and collaborating with communities, RNAIPL is not only addressing today’s water challenges but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
(India CSR)
