P&G executives performed a ground breaking ceremony to start the construction process in Taicang last week, and the company says that all other future production facilities worldwide will also be constructed according to the standard.
“Pursuing LEED certification for all new sites including offices, innovation center and our manufacturing and distribution centers is the next evolution in our facility eco-design process that will ensure excellence in sustainable design,” said Keith Harrison, P&G global product suppler officer.
LEED was established by the US Green Building Council, which is based in Washington D.C., and has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly as major corporations such as P&G make increasingly significant commitments to CSR programs and sustainability issues.
LEED focuses on eco-friendly construction
LEED runs an internationally recognized certification program that aims to improve aspects future building projects such as energy use and water consumption, as well as reducing C02 emissions and incorporating design that minimizes the environmental impact.
In line with these principles P&G is aiming to incorporate the certification process into the design of future production facilities in an effort to focus on water, energy and waste management processes that are integral to all of its manufacturing.
These efforts will see future production facilities designed to incorporate the re-use of water while minimizing water consumption through strategies such as recovering stream condensate for domestic water and reusing rainwater to replenish landscaping water.
Minimizing waste as well as water and energy use
Energy saving measures will include a solar-powered exterior lighting system and high efficiency mechanical systems, while the company says that waste enhancement will be focused on recycling efforts aimed at achieving zero landfill disposal.
P&G says that all new production facilities in the US will continue to be built according to national construction standards while meeting the LEED certification requirements.
Meanwhile, international construction projects will follow the same certification process, while respecting the construction standards specific to those countries.