In a significant environmental milestone, Bridgestone India’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune district, has achieved carbon neutrality for the year 2022. This achievement was confirmed through an audit conducted by LRQA (Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance) in the months of May and June 2023, in accordance with the international PAS 2060 standard.
Bridgestone’s Pune plant, which produces more than 4 million tires annually, has taken several commendable steps to reduce its carbon footprint by 94% over the years. Notable initiatives include the installation of a 5 MW solar power generation capacity and the operation of a carbon-neutral biomass-based boiler plant. The boiler plant utilizes biomass briquettes made from agricultural waste, contributing to its carbon neutrality.
To offset 2,974 tons of CO2 emissions from the Pune site, Bridgestone India has invested in Verified Carbon Standard credits from Acme, India, associated with a solar photovoltaic project. This project generates solar energy exported to regional power grids across different Indian states.
As part of the PAS 2060 verification process, the Pune plant has committed to a further three-year plan for reducing CO2 emissions. Stefano Sanchini, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, emphasized the company’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability. He outlined ongoing efforts such as replacing diesel-based forklifts with electric ones, shifting from LPG to electric power, and increasing the use of green energy.
Olga Rivas, ESG Product Cluster Manager at LRQA, praised Bridgestone’s dedication to decarbonization and stated that their verification ensures reliable data and robust management systems. Bridgestone’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Koji Takagi, highlighted the company’s global commitment to sustainability, aligning with the Paris climate agreement’s goals and aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050.
This carbon neutrality certification marks a significant step towards Bridgestone’s mission of “Serving Society with Superior Quality” and their aspiration to provide sustainable solutions in the mobility sector.