Tesla has reached a new sustainability milestone at Giga Berlin, announcing that the factory has gone an entire year without releasing any process wastewater into the public sewer system.
According to plant leader André Thierig, the achievement was made possible thanks to the company’s advanced on-site wastewater treatment facility and the dedicated “Ninja Turtles” team that manages it.
Today marks 1 YEAR without any process-wastewater being discharged into the public sewer – achieved by the incredible Nina Turtles and our advanced wastewater treatment facility.
— André Thierig (@AndrThie) November 4, 2025
Making a sustainable product matters a lot but doing it sustainably is just as important! pic.twitter.com/IvPqkmXVgq
From Controversy to Conservation
Water management has been one of the most contentious topics surrounding Giga Berlin since construction began in 2020. Environmental groups and local residents in Grünheide repeatedly expressed concerns that the factory would strain and pollute the region’s limited groundwater resources.
In the years following its opening, the factory’s water use has continued to be a topic for public debate. Local authorities closely monitored the plant after reports that wastewater discharge had occasionally exceeded permitted limits, prompting environmental inspections and calls for stricter oversight.
Addressing Concerns
Tesla responded to those concerns by overhauling its water management systems, installing advanced filtration, and optimizing production processes to minimize consumption. The result is a closed-loop treatment system that allows nearly every drop of process-water to be cleaned and reused within the factory.
The system plays a critical role in vehicle manufacturing, where water is needed for cooling, paint application, and component production. By eliminating discharges entirely, Tesla reduces its environmental footprint and eases pressure on municipal wastewater infrastructure.
A Model For Sustainable Manufacturing
The accomplishment aligns with Tesla’s broader goal of not only building sustainable products but also ensuring that their production is environmentally responsible.
The next challenge for Tesla will be maintaining this achievement as it expands the factory’s capacity. The company has received approval for the first stage of its planned expansion, which will increase vehicle output to 1 million cars annually, and add battery production.
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