PROVIDENCE, R.I.–United Natural Foods Inc.’s (UNFI) York, PA, distribution center was awarded LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings
The 675,000-square foot distribution facility is located at the Greenspring Industrial Park in York, PA, and is the largest facility in the Company’s distribution network. Focused on efficient water and energy use as well as resource conservation, some of the steps UNFI took to achieve gold certification included:
- More than 60 percent of building materials sourced from regional suppliers;
- Diversion of more than 95 percent of construction waste from local landfills;
- Building materials used during construction contained more than 35 pecent recycled content;
- Installing a cistern to store 20,000 gallons of diverted rainwater to use for facilitation of the center’s refrigeration system;
- Water use reduction of more than 40 percent using motion-activated sensors and flow controls throughout the building.
“Our associates continue to make significant strides in reducing our impact on the environment by incorporating sustainability in all of our business practices,” said Steve Spinner, UNFI's president and chief executive officer. “This LEED® certification is another example of UNFI’s commitment to utilizing environmentally-friendly design and construction practices."
Commented Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council: “UNFI’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership. The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and United Natural Foods serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”
UNFI partnered with ARCO Design/Build, Inc of Atlanta, GA, to provide sustainable design and site planning for the York distribution center, which commenced operations in fall 2008. Jake M. Stefan, vice president at ARCO Design/Build Inc. said, “UNFI and its ‘Green team’ is an incredibly dedicated and driven group that is deeply committed to extending environmentally sustainable initiatives. Their attention to detail and willingness to find the answers are what helped to make the project a success for all involved. UNFI sets an example for the industry by letting their actions speak for them.”
The York distribution center is UNFI’s second LEED® certified distribution facility. In 2009, UNFI’s Ridgefield, WA, distribution center was recognized with LEED® Gold certification. The Company is also pursuing LEED® Silver certification for its new headquarters in Providence, RI, and LEED® Gold at a new 590,000-square foot distribution center that is being constructed in Lancaster, Texas.