REI opens eco-conscious distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee

REI opens new eco-conscious distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee
(Source: Supplied)

Outdoor specialty retailer REI Co-op has commenced operations at its new state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee, to support its growing presence in the Midwest and Southeast regions. 

The distribution center will play a crucial role in serving over 60 stores and catering to the needs of 5.6 million REI members in the area.

Sylvia Wilks, chief supply chain officer at REI, said what sets this facility apart is its commitment to enhancing the employee experience while setting a new industry standard in combating the climate crisis.

“We believe the climate crisis is the greatest threat to our business and the future of our planet. REI is leveraging its values and cooperative model to minimize our environmental footprint while serving the outdoor community,” shared Wilks. 

“Our new Lebanon distribution center allows us to improve our delivery speed to customers and stores, increase our throughput capacity and agility, and lower costs, all while achieving new sustainable building standards.”

Employees and the environment

Employee well-being and environmental sustainability are at the heart of the design and operation of the new facility, with design elements that promote productivity, rest, and a connection to nature.

The highlights include abundant natural light through 90 skylights over regularly occupied spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, exceptional air quality, ergonomic workspaces, and even an onsite gym.

Moreover, a habitat restoration project is underway on the 41-acre property, including a trail for walking and biking.

To address carbon impacts, the distribution center relies on 100 percent renewable, 100 percent electric energy.

This power comes from an onsite solar array and renewable energy from an upcoming solar array in eastern Tennessee, a partnership with Clearloop, a prominent carbon solutions provider.

The building materials used are environmentally conscious, with concrete and steel having over 30 percent less embodied carbon than typical material specifications.

In terms of energy efficiency, the building is expected to use 30 percent less than mandated by building codes, thanks to energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. 

Water and waste management

For waste management, REI Lebanon diverts more than 90 percent of its construction waste from landfills and aims for “zero-waste” by diverting its operational waste. The company recycles its thin-film plastics into durable plastic decking through an enterprise-wide partnership with Trex. 

Water efficiency is another key focus, as the facility is designed to use 50 percent less water than the industry baseline for its operations and landscaping. 

Rainwater is collected in a cistern for non-potable uses within the building, while efficient fixtures help reduce overall water demand. Native and drought-tolerant landscaping further minimizes the site’s water requirements.

The Lebanon facility complements REI’s existing distribution centers in Bedford, Pennsylvania; Goodyear, Arizona; and Sumner, Washington, which collectively serve 185 stores in 42 states and handle online order fulfillment for customers worldwide. 

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