As sustainability moves from the periphery to the center of infrastructure planning, industrial spaces in India are undergoing a much-needed transformation. Factories, warehouses, and production units once designed purely for utility are now being reimagined to prioritize environmental performance, energy efficiency, and human well-being.
Leading this shift is Hilti Manufacturing India’s Vadodara facility, the first industrial site in the country to receive DGNB Gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council, one of the world’s most rigorous frameworks for sustainable building practices.
This achievement underscores more than compliance; it reflects a fundamental change in how industrial buildings are envisioned, executed, and operated. The certification evaluates a structure across its entire lifecycle from design and construction to operation and decommissioning making this plant a model of holistic sustainability.
Built to Perform, Designed for the Future
From its inception, the Vadodara facility was designed for adaptability and efficiency. A modular layout allows for flexible configurations, enabling future expansions or retooling with minimal disruption. Smart site planning integrates utilities, logistics, and production zones seamlessly, while preserving room for growth.
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the design. The facility’s innovative cooling system, featuring chilled beams and radiant floors, maintains thermal comfort while consuming significantly less energy than conventional HVAC systems. Complementing this are passive design elements like solar-control façade fins, external shading, and overdeck insulation, reducing heat ingress and lowering cooling loads.
Renewable energy generation is embedded into the campus, with a 1,500 MWh photovoltaic system powering operations and electric vehicle infrastructure. On the water front, the plant operates as a zero-discharge campus, harvesting and treating rainwater for 100% reuse. To enhance ecological value, a Miyawaki forest covers nearly a quarter of the site, reducing heat islands and promoting biodiversity with native species.
A Space Designed Around People
Equally impressive is the plant’s commitment to human-centric design. Accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized, with ramps, elevators, and universally designed facilities ensuring barrier-free mobility. A 1:1 gender-based spatial approach reflects equality in planning, while staff amenities like fitness zones, childcare facilities, meditation areas, and common rooms are thoughtfully integrated to support well-being.
Indoor air quality was tested for more than 170 volatile organic compounds before occupancy, ensuring a healthy environment. Acoustic and thermal comfort are optimized throughout the facility, including in production areas, creating a workspace that prioritizes both safety and comfort.
Even transport and logistics personnel benefit from the design, with dedicated rest zones, washrooms, and common areas for drivers, recognizing the vital role they play in daily operations.
Setting a New Benchmark
The DGNB Gold certification is more than a milestone; it positions Hilti’s Vadodara plant as a template for sustainable industrial construction in India. By integrating environmental responsibility, economic foresight, and human well-being, Hilti has created a facility that is efficient, future-ready, and transformational.
This achievement doesn’t just meet global standards it raises the bar for conviction-driven change in India’s industrial landscape, demonstrating that sustainability and performance can thrive together.
