United Natural Foods, Inc.'s (UNFI) distribution center has been awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) esteemed Energy Star rating, marking it as one of the most efficient distribution facilities in the nation for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Energy Star is a leading national metric for evaluating building energy efficiency
To qualify, the facility had to place among the top 25% of the most energy-efficient facilities in the U.S. Buildings that earn the Energy Star rating typically utilize 35% less energy and emit 35% less CO2 into the atmosphere when compared to average buildings. Additionally, the facility meets or exceeds standards for thermal comfort, indoor air quality and luminance levels.
Features at UNFI's Chesterfield distribution center that support these ratings include energy efficient motion-activated T-8 lighting in the full-case warehouse area and motion-activated T-5 lighting for the repack mezzanine. Committed to exceptional indoor air quality as well as energy usage reduction, the company implemented enhancements to the administration area's HVAC system including the replacement of the main office air conditioning unit as well as upgrades to the duct system that greatly improved efficiency in the delivery of both heating and cooling.
"This recognition marks our most recent success with the environmental sustainability initiatives that we have implemented over the past few years," said Steve Spinner, UNFI's president and chief executive officer. "Through our efforts as an environmentally-conscious organization, we continue to improve energy efficiency throughout the enterprise while remaining committed to managing costs and improving shareholder return."
The 319,000 s/f facility, which houses over 500 employees, serves as a regional distribution hub for customers in New England, New Jersey and all of New York state. Thirty percent of the total floor space within the facility is served by mechanical cooling equipment. Repack selection utilizes paperless "pick-to-light" technology, which greatly reduces the amount of paper used in order processing.
"Further demonstrating our ongoing and deep commitment to environmental stewardship, we have been focused on operating energy efficient and sustainable buildings across our entire supply chain, and we are very pleased to receive this prestigious recognition," said Tom Dziki, senior vice president of sustainable development.
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.
Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $19 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles.