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The conversion of the 30 year old factory into a Green manufacturing location was made more challenging by the LEED requirement that at least 50 per cent of the occupants of the building had to remain in service inside the building during its conversion, and Brandix’s determination that the energy conservation ratings required would be achieved with air-conditioning, another requirement for Platinum status. Air-conditioning accounts for about 70 per cent of the energy consumed in a garment factory.

To meet the requirements of LEED certification, Brandix invested in the latest screw-type chiller unit patented in the US to provide energy-efficient air-conditioning for the entire factory, which comprises of three sewing plants. Square ducts were converted to round ducts to reduce distribution losses, and a 75mm insulation and heat-reflective panel was introduced into the roof. The windows were enlarged to provide more light and a better view out to workers, and the glass replaced with special glass with a high solar reflective index.

Special prismatic material used for skylights in the roof allows only the passage of solar light without the accompanying heat.

Sophisticated new light emitting diodes used as task lights provide light to the sewing machines, supplementing the natural light provided by the skylights. Bay lights are to be used only on cloudy or rainy days. Brandix has introduced facilities for direct and indirect rain water harvesting including the collection of water from down-pipes for reuse.

A series of measures exist to reduce water consumption through recycling, whereby direct rainwater is initially recycled for all use except for drinking. Subsequently, a tertiary filtration system and a disinfection process allows the used water to be recycled again for toilet flushing and gardening.

The factory has also achieved zero solid waste disposal by recycling or reusing 100 per cent of the solid waste it produces.

Even canteen waste is being composted and contributes to biogas generation. The green areas in the gardens have been increased substantially to provide all occupants with the stipulated view of green area, and two indoor green patches have been introduced to the plant with the largest floor area.

Transportation within the premises is by electric car to eliminate use of fossil fuel inside the plant. An advanced intelligent building management system controls relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels to improve comfort levels for workers.

Brandix pioneered the concept of total solutions in the Sri Lankan apparel industry and has been recognized as Sri Lanka’s largest apparel exporter by the Export Development Board for the past two years.

Comprising of 25 fully-integrated manufacturing facilities backed by strategically located international sourcing offices, Brandix provides direct employment to over 25,000 people.

The Group specializes in casual bottoms, intimate and active wear, textiles, knitted fabrics, sewing and embroidery thread, accessories and hangers, and offers wet processing and finishing and fabric printing.

Brandix is a preferred solutions provider to some of the world’s best brands, including Gap, Marks & Spencer, Victoria’s Secret, NEXT, Lands End, Ann Taylor, Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger.