LEED
What is LEED?
The buildings where we live and work have a profound—though often unseen—impact on the environment. They consume megawatts of energy from coal-burning power plants, pollute and displace rivers of water, and create blazing heat islands with acres of parking lots. We were keenly aware of this when we decided to build the new QBP distribution center (DC). We wanted a structure that would—as much as possible—reduce the size of our environmental footprint. It needed to consume less energy, produce less waste, and enhance the surrounding ecosystem. It also had to create a warm, inviting and livable home for our employees. In short, we needed an environmentally sustainable building.
Built according to the U.S. Green Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, the DC and office complex features innovative wastewater technologies, high-efficiency appliances and a design capitalizing on natural light. The building is also outfitted with a 40-kilowatt solar panel array—the largest in the Upper Midwest. 30 percent more efficient than required by Minnesota state code, the structure will generate significantly lower long-term maintenance and operation costs than a conventional building. The U.S. Green Building Council awarded our DC LEED Gold certification in 2007.
Tour the Green Side of QBP
Did you know QBP gets a big chunk of its energy straight from the sun? Or that our water-stingy technologies save 45,000 gallons of water a year? Or that our sustainable landscaping actually destroys pollutants before they get into the eco-system? Learn about these and other environmental features of our business by taking an eco-tour of QBP’s LEED Gold Certified distribution center and office complex.
Eco-tours take place the first Wednesday of every month and are free and open to the public. To schedule a tour for your group, please contact green@qbp.com or call 952-941-9778.
Sustainable Site Development
The new distribution center was designed to minimally impact the ecosystem. Trees were left undisturbed and most soil was used in construction or creating new green space. Wherever possible, materials from the demolished structure were used in the new building. The old foundational slab was ground up for fill under the new slab. 75 percent of the demolition waste was recycled.
Perhaps the greatest impact of our distribution center lies in what we didn’t do. By building up instead of out, we minimized the impact on surrounding natural areas. Square foot for square foot, the DC generates more economic benefit than conventionally built structures. Some features of this sustainable site include a graded parking lot that channels storm runoff to porous pavers; rain gardens that promote evaporation and natural breakdown of chemical pollutants; drought-resistant native prairie grasses that don’t require irrigation or maintenance; less asphalt and more green space in the parking lot, minimizing heat island effect.
Water Savings
Every year, America’s bathrooms flush and foul whole rivers of water. As our population grows and the need for fresh, potable water soars, we need to do everything we can to conserve this precious resource. Our new bathrooms feature an arsenal of water-stingy technologies, including waterless urinals that save about 45,000 gallons of H2O a year; dual-flush toilets; low-flow showerheads in bike commuter locker rooms; sensor-operated water faucets; and high-velocity electric hand dryers that eliminate hand towels and use 80 percent less energy than traditional units.
Energy Efficiency
Energy conservation is a cornerstone of LEED design. The clean energy generated by our 40-kilowatt solar panel array prevents 65,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. Timers and sensors control interior and external lights, reducing power consumption. Extensive natural daylight decreases electricity use, enhances work environment and increases employee satisfaction and productivity. High efficiency fluorescent bulbs produce less heat, save energy and last up to five years. And ceilings and walls painted with high-reflectivity paint decrease the number of light fixtures.
Materials Selection
The distribution center utilizes old materials and new resources made from post-industrial and post-consumer content. Using regionally extracted and manufactured goods reduced transport costs and fuel consumption, lowered emissions of greenhouse gases and boosted local economies. Floors in the office area were covered with carpet tiles instead of traditional roll carpet. Not only did this reduce manufacturing waste, but individual tiles are easily replaced when worn. In some areas, recycled rubber flooring provides a tough and durable alternative to synthetic or virgin rubber. Conference rooms include wood products certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Indoor Environmental Quality
From non-toxic wood composites, carpets, paints and adhesives to expansive windows that provide natural light and views of woodland, we strive to create an atmosphere that nurtures mind, body and spirit. The interior paints have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC), greatly reducing off-gasses that can impede air quality.
High-efficiency HVAC system and high ceilings improve airflow, maximizing occupant comfort. And LEED-certified HVAC&R systems use no CFCs, HCFCs Halons or other substances destructive to the ozone layer.
