UNFI is the leading independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products in the United States. Our newest distribution center in Ridgefield, WA has been awarded Gold certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System from the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility is the first refrigerated warehouse in the country to be awarded LEED ® Gold certification.
Ridgefield, WA Awarded LEED® Gold Certification
Ridgefield, WA Facts:
Square Footage - 238,000
Completion date - December 2007
LEED Gold rating - 39 points
Environmental Highlight - 100% Renewable Energy
Ridgefield is comprised of 238,500 SF of warehouse space, of which 55,000 SF will consist of refrigerated areas, including freezers, coolers and a refrigerated loading dock. An total of 14,000 SF will serve as office space for personnel. Some of the environmental highlights of our newest facility include:
- Total water use reduction of over 40% using motion-activated sensors and flow controls
- Energy reduction of almost 30% when compared to a typical building of the same size
- Reduction of over 50% of irrigation needs by using indigenous plant species
- Building powered by 100% renewable energy; resulting in more than 4 million lbs. of CO2 not being released into the air.
- A significant increase in vegetated open space – 238% more than required by zoning ordinances
- Diversion of over 95% of construction waster from local landfills.
- Low or Zero-VOC emitting materials used in the construction and interior finishes
- Preferred parking spaces designated for Low Emission and Hybrid vehicles.
- All wood products selected from FSC-certified suppliers
UNFI has a long-standing commitment and a proactive concern for the environment including a stewardship of the land and a responsibility to reduce our ecological footprint. Our commitment to these principles is evidenced by the incorporation of sustainable building practices into our latest distribution center.