Apr 19 2007
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) announces that Patagonia's Reno Service Center is the first private company in the nation to receive incentives for its recent Gold level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The company received real property tax abatements today from the Nevada Commission on Economic Development of 50 percent over the next 10 years for the expansion of its distribution center.
Patagonia's Reno distribution center is the first building in Nevada to achieve the LEED gold certification level, the second highest certification possible. The company's 171,000-square-foot expansion was specially designed to incorporate green technology and was a collaborative effort of architectural firm Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects and general contractor Trammell Crow Construction, among other subcontractors. Following completion of the project, Patagonia received $25,000 through Sierra Pacific Power Company's Sure Bet program, which helped the Patagonia design team identify the most cost-effective technologies available for reducing the building's energy requirements.
"These green initiatives are part of Patagonia's philosophy. Doing the right things in business that sustain, not deplete, our environment are at the very core of our company. If our efforts are a tipping point for others to do the same, that's great," said Dave Abeloe, director of Patagonia's distribution center. "We realize the up front costs are a bit more, but in the long run, we'll recoup our investment and be true to our mission of reducing our impact on the earth."
Among the green technology achievements at its Reno Service Center include: 47 percent energy cost savings; 42 percent reduction in water usage and improved storm water management; and 93 percent of all construction waste during the expansion was recycled. For more on Patagonia's Reno Service Center green building go to.
"Patagonia is an exemplary company that represents the balance that's possible in doing business that doesn't harm the environment while still producing the best products and services," said Jason Geddes, manager of government affairs for EDAWN. "It's a model for the types of companies EDAWN and our economic development partners, including Sierra Pacific Economic Development are looking to expand and locate in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area. Companies that benefit the community by conserving natural resources contribute to the sustainable quality of life in the region."
In 2005, the Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 3, making Nevada one of only two states to mandate that all public buildings be built or renovated to the LEED standard. Additionally, the legislation provided a real property tax abatement exclusive to Nevada.