United Natural Foods Inc (UNFI) announced that its Chesterfield NH distribution center has been awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star rating, making it one of the most efficient distribution facilities in the nation for energy efficiency and environmental protection.
To qualify, the Chesterfield facility had to place among the top 25% of the most energy-efficient facilities in the nation. Buildings that earn the Energy Star rating typically use 35% less energy and emit 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere compared with 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. The company enhanced the administration area’s HVAC system including replacement of the main office air-conditioning unit, as well as upgrades to the duct system that improved efficiency in delivery of heating and cooling.
The 319,000 square-foot Chesterfield facility, which has more than 500 employees, serves as a regional distribution hub for New England, New Jersey, metro New York, and all of New York State. Thirty percent of total floor space within the facility is served by mechanical cooling equipment. Repack selection uses paperless “pick-to-light” technology, which reduces the amount of paper used in order processing.
UNFI carries and distributes more than 60,000 products to more than 17,000 customer locations nationwide. For more information, access www.unfi.com.
