Procter & Gamble announces its commitment to pursue LEED certification for all new sites. P&G’s Taicang plant in China—which broke ground February 25— is the first P&G manufacturing site to pursue LEED certification, with several additional new P&G sites currently working toward the same distinction globally.

«Pursuing LEED certification for all new sites including offices, innovation centers, 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 supply officer. «Having all of our new sites LEED certified will help us make progress toward our long-term sustainability vision which includes powering our plants with 100% renewable energy and zero manufacturing waste to landfill.»

Established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Taicang plant, the first P&G site to register for LEED certification, features notable environmental aspects such as:

—Water: Maximizing beneficial water re-use while minimizing water consumption through efforts such as recovering steam condensate for domestic water needs and harvesting rainwater to replenish on-site landscaping water;

—Energy :Features an outdoor lighting system powered by a combination of solar energy and use of high efficiency mechanical equipment;

—Waste: Operational design to maximize waste recycling and ultimately achieve zero waste to landfill.

All new P&G sites, including those in the U.S., that are currently in design phase or early construction are working toward achieving LEED certification. In countries where equivalent programs are available, P&G is also committing to meet all local certification standards.