CHICAGO – Testa Produce, Inc.’s new ‘green’ distribution center is powered in part by a state-of-the-art solar energy system. The use of solar power is one variable in the comprehensive approach to sustainable, eco-friendly operations that Testa Produce incorporated into its new headquarters in its quest to gain the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest available LEED® rating — Platinum certification.
A total of 180 photovoltaic solar panels located on the facility’s rear loading dock awnings and on pole-mounted soar ‘trees’ in the parking lot are designed to capture and transform the sun’s rays into the equivalent of 5,500-kilowatt hours of energy per year. Included are 12 panels on each of nine 'trees' that are equipped with plug-in charging stations for electric vehicles.
An extensive solar hot water tubular system heats 100% of the water used in the 91,300-square-foot facility for non-potable purposes and eliminates the need to consume natural gas for heating water. The solar hot water system is the among the first U.S. commercial evacuated tube collector systems to use pure water as the working fluid.
“The use of solar energy is another way in which we’re reducing our carbon footprint with natural, renewable resources,” says Peter Testa, President of Testa Produce. “Combined with our innovative wind energy program, vegetated roof, water management systems, and other eco-friendly initiatives, it is putting us closer to our goal of being the first foodservice distributor in the nation to gain LEED® 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.
Source: Testa Produce
