REI earns elite climate rating for distribution center
REI Co-op ‘s new environmentally-friendly supply chain facility is joining a select group of industrial buildings.
The nation’s largest consumer co-op’s recently opened distribution center in Lebanon, Tenn, has earned the LEED v4 Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
This marks the first certified facility of its kind in Tennessee and the largest LEED Platinum industrial building in the Southeast to receive this certification. REI joins a group of 10 warehouse facilities in the country to achieve this rating.
REI partnered with Al. Neyer, a design-build developer, to create its new sustainable distribution center. The 400,000-sq.-ft. facility employs 275 associates and features site-sourced natural and recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and metal from the original barn on site, throughout the interior.
[READ MORE: REI supports regional growth with energy-efficient distribution center]
A polished concrete "stream" inspired by the nearby Cumberland River travels through the office area and connects with walking paths. Other features include abundant skylights, solar panels, and systems to repurpose rainwater reduce energy and water usage.
REI also recently collaborated with Intuit and carbon solutions provider Clearloop, a Silicon Ranch company, to develop a new 2.8 MW solar farm in White Pine, Tenn. to provide power for the facility, as well as nearly 400 nearby homes.
By 2030, REI aspires to more than halve its greenhouse gas emissions. 2023 marked the 11th year in a row of REI using 100% renewable electricity across all operations in the country.
The Lebanon facility serves REI stores and customer online order fulfillment in the Midwest and Southeast, and complements REI's three existing distribution centers in Bedford, Penn.; Goodyear, Ariz.; and Sumner, Wash. that serve stores and customers across the nation. REI's Bedford and Goodyear locations are also recognized by the USGBC's green building certification.
Design and technology elements at the Lebanon building were inspired from the co-op's Goodyear facility, which was the first distribution center in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy.
"Solving the climate crisis requires intentional collaboration in pursuit of impactful solutions," said Andrew Dempsey, director of climate at REI. "We're grateful for the partnership with Al. Neyer, a firm with whom we share values in driving positive outcomes for our people and our communities. This collaboration resulted in an industry-leading facility that prioritizes the employee experience and upholds REI's brand values and sustainability goals."
"Our Lebanon distribution center delivered on four guiding principles of people, community, sustainability and technology," said Ruchi Christensen, REI VP of distribution and fulfillment operations. "While the LEED Platinum certification highlights our commitment to the co-op's climate strategy, we are also incredibly proud of the resulting workplace that fosters a sense of belonging through features including a community gathering space, employee gym and engaging outdoor spaces."
"REI's commitment to environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of its team, combined with our team's highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach was really our key to success," said Patrick Poole, Nashville market leader at Al. Neyer. "It's very exciting to be part of a showpiece project that proves the potential of sustainable choices in industrial warehouse design. We hope to see other companies follow REI's lead and choose their employees, environments, and community. If we can do that, the future of industrial design looks increasingly green."
Headquartered near Seattle, REI Co-op had 185 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia as of Oct. 11, 2023.
