CHICAGO – Testa Produce, Inc. has taken vast steps to become a sustainable and environmental leader in the foodservice industry. On September 21, 2011, those efforts were recognized 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 were in attendance at the dinner. Along with Testa, Illinois State Senators Toi Hutchinson and Suzi Schmidt were presented with awards for their dedication to sustainable practices. The ongoing efforts of the award recipients and the collaboration of dedicated parties have helped increase sustainability awareness in Chicago, according to the IEC.
Testa was recognized for his efforts to open one of the most sustainable produce distribution facilities in the City of Chicago – indeed, in the nation. The company’s new 91,000-square-foot facility features a 238-foot wind turbine, extensive water management system, solar power for both energy and hot water generation, barreled green roof, energy-efficient lighting, hybrid transportation, and numerous other “green” characteristics. It is through these state-of-the-art details that Testa Produce plans to gain the U.S. 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 the construction manager and WBS Equities served as owner’s project consultant. Construction and permanent financing was provided by MB Bank. All are local Chicago-based concerns. For more information and to see photos of Testa’s groundbreaking facility visit www.testaproduce.com or Testa’s Facebook page, where many photos are posted.
Testa Produce: Founded in 1912, Testa Produce, Inc. is Chicago’s premier independent produce distributor. In addition to a broad line of domestic, local, organic, sustainable, and imported fresh produce items, the company delivers frozen, canned, and specialty foods to fine restaurants, hotels, and institutions throughout Illinois and much of Wisconsin. Testa is a member of both PRO*ACT, the foodservice industry’s largest produce buying and marketing organization, and Legacy Foodservice Alliance.
Illinois Environmental Council: Since it’s founding in 1975 by a group of dedicated grassroots environmentalists, IEC has sponsored issue advocacy campaigns and projects. This has allowed environmental organizations to pool their resources to create a higher profile for our issues in Springfield and Washington D.C. About 50 environmental and community organizations and 100 individuals from around the state are members of IEC today. The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund engages in education and outreach and provides a forum for environmentalists. The Illinois Environmental Council serves as the environmental community’s eyes, ears and voice in Springfield. The two organizations – collectively known as IEC – work together to ensure a more healthful environment for Illinois residents. IEC has given Environmental Leadership Awards to recognize the year's leaders in environmental issues since 2002.
Source: Testa Produce
