Mahindra World City, Chennai Is India’s 1st Integrated City Certified ‘Zero Waste To Landfill’

Mahindra World City, Chennai (‘MWC Chennai’), a first-of-its-kind integrated city built on environment-friendly principles, has achieved yet another milestone by becoming the first integrated city in India to receive third-party Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) certification.  As part of its ZWL commitments, MWC Chennai is diverting 99 percent of waste (amounting to nearly 135 tons of waste) generated within its industrial zone away from landfills, thereby avoiding ~115 tonnes of CO2 emissions every month. The certification was conferred on MWC Chennai by Intertek, a globally recognised organisation responsible for auditing and certifying ZWL sites. On average, MWC Chennai generates nearly 40 tonnes of compost and 3,000 kg of biogas per month.  An onsite biodigester of 10 tons capacity treats 5,000 kg of biodegradable waste each year. The biogas produced fuels CNG generators, tractors and local shuttle buses, thus enabling environment-friendly transportation in and around MWC Chennai. Recycled items include multi-layered plastics, tissues and coconut shells. Sunita Purushottam, Head of Sustainability, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. said, “At Mahindra Lifespaces, sustainability is at the core of all our developments and encompasses the entire project lifecycle – from design to construction, and operations.  The ZWL certification for Mahindra World City, Chennai is the result of a multi-pronged waste management strategy encompassing improved source segregation, staff training, deep collaboration with the vendor ecosystem and the implementation of robust measurement processes.  We are already working on a roadmap to convert all our integrated city projects to ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ certified sites.” To improve the source segregation, the MWC Chennai team developed comprehensive segregation guidelines and undertook training programs for industrial customers.  A centralised vendor ecosystem helped ensure zero leakages and proper diversion for recyclables. Waste data is being monitored via a customised technology platform that provides access to real-time diversion rates. The preferred residential destination for more than 2500 families, Mahindra World City, Chennai is a self-contained and thoughtfully designed urban destination that enables holistic living amongst well-planned surroundings in the heart of nature. Convenient walk-to-work access to its business zone for both residents and those living in adjoining areas is helping to minimise the City’s overall carbon footprint.  Mahindra World City, Chennai became India’s first food waste-free city in 2016 and is also India’s first IGBC Gold (Stage 1) certified green township.  One of India’s largest urban afforestation drives was held in MWC Chennai in 2018, wherein over 4 lakh saplings were planted across 150 acres. An on-site STP treats sewage generated at the residential and industrial zone at Mahindra World City, Chennai, as mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board.  MWC Chennai also has an off-grid solar power plant with a capacity to generate 1,16,000 units of clean electrical energy annually.