Hilti Manufacturing becomes first Indian facility to earn DGNB Gold certification
Hilti Manufacturing has received the DGNB Gold Certification from the German Sustainable Building Council, marking the first Indian facility to receive this certification. This achievement signifies the company’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, productivity, safety, and sustainability, and its commitment to decarbonising operations and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The certification underscores the company’s commitment to achieving these goals.
What Is the DGNB certification?
The DGNB certification, developed by the independent nonprofit “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen”, is a rigorous benchmark for sustainable building, evaluating buildings throughout their life cycle, from planning to operation, and assessing environmental performance, economic viability, user comfort, and design quality.
Beyond compliance
Giridhar Jambunathan, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hilti Manufacturing India, said, “Industrial buildings present unique challenges when it comes to sustainability, given their scale, complexity, and operational demands. From the outset, our goal with the Vadodara plant was to go beyond compliance and set a new benchmark for industrial construction in India. DGNB’s framework provided us the right balance of environmental, economic, and social metrics to guide that ambition. The Gold certification is a recognition of our team’s deep commitment to designing a facility that reflects both performance and purpose.”
Global recognition
Johannes Kreißig, Managing Director of the DGNB, said, “With the successful completion of DGNB certification in India and Hungary, Hilti Manufacturing has demonstrated that they set high standards for holistic sustainable construction in building its own facilities worldwide. Hilti is playing a truly pioneering role here, as the project in India is the first ever to be awarded DGNB certification in that country. In addition, the project in Hungary achieved the highest possible rating with a DGNB Platinum certificate. This is a great result, and we can only congratulate them.”
Inside Vadodara
Hilti Manufacturing’s Vadodara plant is a prime example of sustainable industrial construction in India, designed and executed according to DGNB’s three central pillars: economy, ecology, and sociocultural impact. The plant features a flexible layout, advanced technical systems, and a highly efficient HVAC system based on chilled beams and radiant floor cooling. The plant also incorporates passive design features, such as external shading devices and solar-protective façade fins, to reduce energy consumption.
Ecological innovation
Ecologically, the plant generates renewable energy through a 1500 MWh photovoltaic system, a zero-discharge campus with rainwater harvesting and water treatment systems, and a Miyawaki forest to enhance biodiversity. The site also aims to reduce light pollution and promote human well-being and inclusivity with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and workspaces.
“Design for All” philosophy
The company’s “Design for All” philosophy includes ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and a 1:1 gender-based design approach. The facility includes acoustic comfort and healthy materials, as well as on-site amenities like childcare, fitness, yoga zones, jogging tracks, and common areas for employees and transport staff.
Part of a long-term commitment
The company’s sustainable building design journey began in 2010 when its plant in Austria received the company’s first DGNB Gold certification. The Vadodara plant joins other DGNB-certified Hilti Manufacturing facilities in Austria and Hungary, with the company continuing to embed environmental and social performance standards into all future developments.
Source: https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/