Sustainable Food Distribution in California

Smucker’s Natural Foods’ new distribution center in the northern California city of Chico recently received LEED-Gold certification from the USGBC, according to a recent article.

The 157,000 square foot building, staffed by a workforce of 130 and topped by over 1,000 photovoltaic solar panels, is the latest showcase of Smucker’s commitment to sustainable business practice. In fact, the warehouse generates 94 percent of its total energy needs the article said. Outside, landscaping and fixtures reduce water needs by more than 526,000 gallons yearly, while a solar water heater provides more than half of the building’s hot water needs, and photovoltaic solar panels offset energy use by 56 percent. 94 percent of construction waste materials were recycled during construction.

Brands distributed at the warehouse include R.W. Knudsen Family, Santa Cruz Organic, Natural Brew, and ME. Juice boxes, peanut butters, fruit sauces, organic and natural sodas, Fair Trade teas, and organic chocolate syrups are also distributed at the warehouse, the article said.

Company-wide, Smucker’s is also seen as a recycling leader, having achieved a 98.5 percent reuse/recycle rate. In California, the company already owns two solar arrays, methane turbines, and natural gas microturbines, which generate additional kilowatts. The company’s operations are 94 percent off the grid, allowing for significantly reduced reliance on conventional electricity, the article said.

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Chris Timmerman
Contributing Writer
Green Education Services
www.greenedu.com