REI’s new distribution center, located in Goodyear, AZ, has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) green building rating system — making it the first distribution center in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy.
The member-owned retail cooperative’s facility is the first distribution center to earn Platinum certification in 2016 and, at 400,000 square feet, is the second-largest Platinum-certified distribution or warehouse facility in the U.S.
“REI worked hard to deliver a new standard for the industry that was in line with our values and commitment to sustainable operations. To create an impact that extends far beyond the co-op, we chose to open the design of the facility and our doors to the industry, not only to make it easier for other companies to build this technology into their operations, but to actively encourage them to do so,” said Rick Bingle, REI’s vice president of supply chain.
Photo courtesy REI
