Asics America Corp. has been awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star, which signifies that the building performs to the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

For the third year in a row, this honor is bestowed upon the brand’s Byhalia Distribution Center, located in Byhalia, MS. Certification for the EPA Energy Star is awarded on a yearly basis and is given to commercial buildings that use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

“We are taking the initiative to equip our facilities with the latest technology and information to maintain and exceed energy efficiencies,” said Jimmy Adames, Asics sustainability & social responsibility manager. “Winning this award for the third year in a row is a tremendous honor. We are so proud to be amongst a highly selected group of companies that are working hard to protect the environment, save energy and money.”

Additionally, Asics will remain focused on reducing its carbon footprint through the implementation of new sustainability projects and the amplification of those already set in place.

Solar Panel Project
Asics plans to continue to reduce its carbon footprint by installing a large solar panel system, totaling 1 MW, at their Byhalia Distribution Center. This solar panel installation will be the largest private system in Mississippi and will provide renewable energy for over 20 percent of the average daily energy consumption at the distribution center. The solar panels used in this project are manufactured by Trina Solar and have a top sustainability rating according to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC). The environmental benefits of the system will be significant. The benefits of the system are equivalent to removing nearly 200 automobiles from service, or saving 103,534 gallons of gas annually. Asics plans to have the solar panels fully functional by the end of the summer.

I:CO
On Earth Day, April 22, Asics will launch a clothing and shoes recycling pilot program with I:Collect (I:CO), a leading global provider for the collection, reuse and recycling of apparel, footwear and other textiles. Consumers can drop-off any brand of clean, dry clothing and shoes in collection boxes at ten participating Asics retail locations and receive a reward coupon for 15% off a single item in store. Items collected are sent to an I:CO recycling facility to find their next best use. Wearable items find new homes as second-hand goods, while un-wearable items are processed to become secondary materials for new products such as cleaning cloths, insulation material and even new clothing. ASICS will donate all proceeds from the pilot program to their philanthropic partner, Girls On The Run. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, this partnership will help renew our planet and communities. Visit www.asics.com/ico to learn more.

Photo courtesy Asics America