April 30, 2007—The US Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized the Gatorade Thirst Quencher Blue Ridge facility in Wytheville, Virginia, with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation at a Gold-level certification.
At 950,000 square feet, the facility is the largest food and beverage site in the world to achieve this designation, says USGBC.
The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for evaluating sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere efficiency, material and resource selection and indoor environmental quality.
The Gatorade Blue Ridge facility earned this special recognition with three key accomplishments. First the USGBC cited the plant’s design, which helps drive energy and environmental optimization. In terms of water, the plant maximizes the use of supply water and optimizes wastewater treatment efficiency. From an energy perspective, the facility installed state-of-the-art energy-saving measures such as high-efficiency boilers, water heaters and HVAC equipment with calibrated control systems.
The plant also placed a top priority on respect for the ecosystem and habitat during site planning and development, which is a critical element of sustainability. Half of the facility’s 135 acres will be returned to its natural state to promote biodiversity.
Lastly, the Blue Ridge Plant incorporates a compelling educational component. More than 20 key LEED components in the facility are prominently displayed with permanent education posters that tell the story of the LEED mission and describe specific environmental, economic and social benefits of the site.
For more on the facility, visit the USGBC Web site.
