Tri Vantage earns sustainability certification

Incorporates features for energy conservation, healthy work environment

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/23/2011 11:18:39 AM

Glen Raven's distribution subsidiary, Tri Vantage, has earned LEED Silver certification for its environmentally conscious Consolidated Distribution Center in Mebane, N.C., making it the only LEED-certified distribution center in the state.

"Our commitment to obtaining LEED certification for the Mebane center is just one element of a much larger corporate commitment to sustainability in everything we do," said Allen E. Gant Jr., president of Glen Raven.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide building owners and operators with a framework for implementing measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. LEED certification provides points for various measures taken during construction to ensure a building is energy-efficient and sustainable.

The 100,000-sq.-ft. Tri Vantage Consolidated Distribution Center, which is located in the North Carolina Industrial Center in Mebane, began operation in the fourth quarter of 2010. The center distributes more than 10,000 industrial fabrics and components to awning, marine and furniture customers nationwide.

The building's green features are numerous, including a design that is 20% more energy-efficient than specified in building codes. The center features solar hot water, sensors in certain areas that turn lights on only when occupied and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that reduce energy consumption, increase comfort and assure air quality.

All plumbing fixtures are low-flow design; concrete rather than asphalt was used in parking areas to reduce heat gain; maintenance staff members follow green cleaning procedures; 30% of building materials used for construction contained recycled content; and adhesives, sealants, paints, fabrics and carpets used in the building contain low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contributes to better air quality. Nearly 90% of construction waste was recycled.

The Tri Vantage facility in Mebane was built by general contractor Samet Corporation of Greensboro, N.C., and has 35 full-time employees.

"Achieving LEED Silver certification is not only the right thing to do for our associates and community, but also good business through a highly efficient operation," said Steve Ellington, president of Tri Vantage. "Our customers and suppliers are assured of working with a company that takes its environmental responsibility very seriously."

Glen Raven is implementing a comprehensive sustainability program at all of its manufacturing and business centers, emphasizing increased recycling, reduced energy consumption and environmentally responsible product design and production.