India's Secure Sanand Campus Redefines Sustainable Industrial Design for Workers
Secure Sanand, an industrial campus in Gujarat, India, has become a model for sustainable and employee-focused design. Completed in 2015 near Ahmedabad, the site was created by Studio Saar for Secure Meters and has since earned top environmental certifications while boosting local economic growth. The campus consists of three main buildings: an arrival centre, a high-tech manufacturing facility, and the Doshi Building, which serves as a social hub. From the start, the design prioritised worker wellbeing with natural light, flexible layouts, and governance structures that allow employees to influence the campus's ongoing development.
Energy efficiency was central to the project. Passive strategies like solar shading, thermal mass, and natural ventilation cut operational energy needs. A district energy plant also recycles waste heat from nearby industries to provide heating and cooling across the site. Sustainability extends beyond energy. The campus includes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge systems, and over 2,000 newly planted trees to support biodiversity and climate resilience. These efforts helped Secure Sanand achieve IGBC Platinum and later Platinum+ certification, meeting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. Since opening, the campus has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, drawing investments from major companies like Ford and Suzuki. This growth has strengthened the local automotive sector, increased regional GDP, and improved infrastructure in Sanand. Employee feedback shows high satisfaction and pride in working at the site. The campus also reports a lower staff turnover rate than other companies in the area.
Secure Sanand's design has delivered measurable benefits for both workers and the environment. The campus's sustainable features, economic impact, and employee engagement set a benchmark for future industrial developments in the region. Its success continues to attract investment while maintaining strong operational and social standards.
