United Natural Foods awarded EPA's Energy Star Rating for its distribution facility
Providence, R.I. United Natural Foods’ Chesterfield, N.H., distribution center has been awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 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 Chesterfield 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 with average buildings. Additionally, the facility meets or exceeds standards for thermal comfort, indoor air quality and luminance levels.
Features at United Natural Foods’ Chesterfield distribution center that support its rating 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.
The 319,000-sq.-ft. Chesterfield facility serves as a regional distribution hub for customers in New England; New Jersey; metro New York 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 VP sustainable development.