THE NATION’S FIRST LEEDV4 PLATINUM WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters
THE PROJECT
As demand for consumer goods grows, so does the need for a sustainable solution to the planet’s dwindling raw resources. Ecofibre is an innovator in industrial hemp, and its U.S. headquarters is as sustainable as its high-performance products.
Paladin’s services included Whole Building Commissioning and LEED Administration for Ecofibre’s 50,000 sq. ft. facility containing a combination of office, manufacturing, and warehousing spaces. The team’s objectives included 1) ensuring LEED Platinum certification to demonstrate Ecofibre’s fundamental commitment to producing sustainable products; 2) shaping the facility as a marketing tool; and 3) ensuring a fully operational facility.
The landmark product for the US headquarters is Hemp Black (TM), a hemp derivative with antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can be added to anything; currently in use in textiles, furniture, and flooring.
"Paladin’s integrated design approach is the key to their success in delivering energy-efficient, water-efficient, and overall sustainable buildings through a variety of green building rating systems. Paladin helped us become a model for sustainability."
THE WORK
The project’s sustainability target drove each aspect of system design and construction requiring collaboration and coordination to meet quality, cost, and schedule milestones. The project program included a 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse and order fulfillment area, clean rooms for product manufacturing, and office areas supporting leadership, sales, and customer service functions. The building was also designed to be a symbol of transparency and sustainability with key lawmakers, industry leaders, clients, and stakeholders able to tour the entire facility and see all elements of Ecofibre’s process from order taking to order shipping.
The commissioning scope included true Whole Building Commissioning encompassing the Building Enclosure, MEP Systems, Renewable Systems, Rainwater Collection and one year of Monitoring-Based Commissioning. Hands-on design through operations phase participation honed goals, verified strategies, and transitioned the building to operations. Particular emphasis was placed on controls strategies to integrate all elements of the building operations into one interface with operations dashboard.
THE IMPACT
Ecofibre’s HQ is certified LEEDv4 Platinum under LEED WDCv4, the first for any warehouse and distribution facility in the United States.
The facility is a model of sustainability featuring an outdoor hemp garden, transparent manufacturing clean rooms, daylighting, rainwater collection systems, geothermal HVAC, and photovoltaic panels.
As a marketing tool, Ecofibre’s tours provide transparency into a burgeoning industry and its product production to industry leaders and legislators as they advocate for developing and promoting hemp and its potential.
:: ECOFIBRE U.S. HEADQUARTERS SUSTAINABILITY STATISTICS ::
:: CASE STUDIES ::
FedEx Freight Facility
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Centralized Lab
See how Paladin’s strategic interventions at a 1980s building have led to a 20% energy reduction over 10 years, preserving capital and optimizing operational efficiencies despite rising energy costs.
Cabinet for Human Resources Complex
Discover how the CHR Building achieved a 27% annual energy reduction, saving approximately $204,000 per year through strategic system enhancements and energy-efficient measures.
Berea Natural Sciences & Health Building
Explore how Berea College’s Natural Sciences and Health Building, a LEED Gold project, achieves optimal performance, energy savings, and a unique educational environment for advanced scientific learning.
Belknap Residence Hall Phase I
Discover the Belknap Residence Hall at UofL, where Paladin’s expert guidance led to LEED Gold certification, promoting sustainable living and learning with a significant 36.1% reduction in water use.
4th Street Live!
Explore the GSA Fit-Up project at 4th Street Live!, where Paladin’s expert sustainability strategies led to LEED certification, enhancing access to USCIS services while prioritizing environmental and operational efficiency.
Danforth Hall and Kettering Hall
Discover Danforth and Kettering Halls at Berea College, where innovative design and sustainable construction earned LEED Silver certification and achieved a remarkable 48.1% reduction in water use.
:: CLIENT REVIEWS ::
