Volkswagen is building energy efficiency into its new $1 billion Chattanooga, Tenn., manufacturing plant, which will feature efficient electric motors on the production lines and stormwater recycling on the grounds.
After a tour, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said the factory will be "the most environmentally sound manufacturing facility in the world," reports the Times Free Press.
The paint shop at the plant has a new system that produces near-zero waste when changing paint colors, reports Trading Markets.
The plant will also reduce the carbon footprint of its supply chain by having an adjacent suppliers park where 16 different companies have contracts to produce parts and components for VW's forthcoming mid-size car. Construction of the suppliers park starts in March, reports Plastics News.
Before Chattanooga could get the plant to be located there, it had to clean up its own environmental impact. The city and Hamilton County had to cut air pollution in order to meet federal environmental emissions standards for having such manufacturing facilities sited there.
VW has been active in adding energy efficiency at other U.S. offices.
Recently awarded the LEED Silver level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its Herndon, Va., office building, VW uses energy-efficient building features such as compact florescent bulbs at each desk and motion-sensor lights. Part of the company’s energy conservation measures include turning off all electronics at the end of the day.
The company also has implemented green cleaning techniques, a comprehensive recycling program and sustainable product purchasing.
