Tesla's Berlin Gigafactory Obtains ProminentEuropean Eco-Friendly Accreditation
Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin Achieves EMAS Certification, Emphasising Environmental Responsibility
Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin, located in Grünheide, Brandenburg, has been awarded the European Union's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification. This recognition positions the factory as a leader in balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility.
André Thierig, the plant manager, announced that Tesla will continue to expand its use of photovoltaics and pursue further water conservation efforts. The factory consumed approximately 419,500 megawatt hours of energy in 2024, with electricity making up the majority. In line with these efforts, the factory aims to recycle 90% of process wastewater in the current year.
Hanka Mittelstädt, Brandenburg's Environment Minister, emphasised that the EMAS certification builds public trust. However, the Grünheide Citizens' Initiative has expressed ongoing criticism, suggesting that the certification could amount to "greenwashing" and reduce oversight and accountability.
Despite this, Tesla's latest environmental report shows notable progress in resource efficiency. The factory used about 456,953 cubic meters of water in 2024, with a water usage rate of 2.16 cubic meters per vehicle produced, which is below the industry average of 3.5 cubic meters.
The factory, which opened in 2022, is Tesla's only European vehicle plant and produces around 5,000 vehicles each week, with an annual output of 250,000 units. It currently employs approximately 12,000 people.
The Brandenburg state government has praised Tesla's achievement, describing the factory as a model for combining climate goals with industrial development. More than 40 companies in Brandenburg now carry EMAS certification, including Tesla's Gigafactory in Grünheide and the Lafim Diakonie, which received its EMAS certificate in September 2025 and aims for climate neutrality by 2035.
In addition to these environmental initiatives, the factory recently reached significant milestones. It built its 500,000th vehicle, the 100,000th refresh Model Y, and started production of the new Model Y Performance.
EMAS requires organizations to measure, document, and publish their environmental impacts while setting measurable goals for improvement. With this certification, Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and ongoing improvement beyond international standards. The factory reported greenhouse gas emissions of around 39,667 tonnes of CO2.
Tesla's continued focus on water conservation, renewable energy, and wastewater recycling, along with its efforts towards climate neutrality and transparency, underscores the company's dedication to sustainable industrial practices. The EMAS certification is a testament to these efforts and serves as a beacon for other industries striving for a more environmentally responsible future.
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