Amid the push for green construction in the state, the Siemens Ltd plant in Verna Industrial Estate is leading the way in green building standards, reports Team B&C
Sustainability and digital innovation go hand in hand at Siemens Goa, which is the first IGBC-certified green company in the state. There are only four Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)-certified industries in Goa, of which Siemens was the first to receive green certification for both its office and production buildings.
In 2012, Siemens achieved LEED Gold certification, the second-highest tier under the globally recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The certification is awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to buildings that demonstrate advanced environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and sustainable design. Since then, the company has continued to maintain green standards across core sustainability categories.
Established in FY12, the company’s greenfield factory spans over 10,000 sq m and employs around 400 people. The factory building is carbon neutral and has achieved zero landfill and zero liquid discharge.
“A key highlight is the plant’s remarkable achievement in energy efficiency, which reduces energy consumption by nearly 36 per cent per shipped device. Complementing the energy efficiency is the adoption of electric vehicles for milk-run logistics with local suppliers in the state, reinforcing its commitment to low-carbon operations,” said Bijesh Kamath, Head of Media Relations.
Kamath said Siemens has a dedicated transformation team driving IT and operational technology (OT) convergence through real-time dashboards and paperless operations. The company leverages augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), robotic process automation (RPA), and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance productivity, quality and resilience.
“On the sustainability front, the Goa plant is LEED-certified and has deployed cutting-edge infrastructure, including modular UPS systems with Li-ion batteries, high-efficiency chillers, thermal storage systems and daylight harvesting solutions,” said Kamath. He said these measures have contributed to an estimated carbon reduction of 750 tonnes, equivalent to the absorption capacity of approximately 12,000 trees.
Further strengthening its green energy footprint, the facility generates nearly 3,000 MWh of renewable energy annually through rooftop solar, meeting about 32 per cent of its total energy requirements. The company’s resource efficiency initiatives are equally significant. The factory has achieved zero waste to landfill through robust systems of reduce, reuse and recycle.
Hazardous waste is treated through an effluent treatment plant, while food waste is processed using an energy-free bio-composter. The complete elimination of single-use plastic, supported by the installation of RO-based drinking water systems, marks another milestone.
Water conservation measures include sensor-based fixtures, a fully operational sewage treatment plant (STP), and smart drip irrigation systems using low-cost water for landscaping. The campus also supports biodiversity with more than 600 trees, 500 shrubs and multiple species of fauna, creating a balanced ecosystem within an industrial setting.
