Testa Produce receives IEC award
Testa Produce Inc has taken significant steps to become a sustainable and environmental leader in the foodservice industry. Those efforts were recognized recently as Peter Testa, president, was one of three recipients of the Environmental Leadership Award at the ninth annual Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) Dinner.
Several representatives from the City of Chicago, Cook County, and state of Illinois sustainability movements attended the dinner. Along with Testa, Illinois State Senators Toi Hutchinson and Suzi Schmidt were presented with awards for their dedication to sustainable practices.
Testa was recognized for his efforts to open one of the most sustainable produce distribution facilities in Chicago. The company’s new 91,000-square-foot facility features a 238-ft wind turbine, water management system, solar power for both energy and hot water generation, barreled green roof, energy-efficient lighting, hybrid transportation, and other “green” characteristics. Through these features, Testa Produce plans to gain the US Green Building Council’s highest available LEED rating—Platinum certification.
The new Testa Produce distribution center, which opened in the Chicago Stockyards Industrial Park in May 2011, was designed by Epstein architects. Summit Design + Build served as construction manager, and WBS Equities served as owner’s project consultant.
For more information and to see photos of Testa’s facility, visit www.testaproduce.com.