The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) honored NOW’s Bloomingdale, IL, with the Leader in Sustainability – Large Company award in the Greater Reno-Sparks Nevada area 6th Annual Industry Awards.
 
NOW’s Sparks facility, the company’s second U.S. manufacturing location, was built with sustainability in mind. It’s on the cutting-edge of green building technology, with a United States Green Building Council Silver LEED certification indicative of NOW’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be safer and healthier for occupants, and reduce harmful greenhouse emissions.
 
By following strategic sustainability measures, NOW’s Sparks facility saves approximately 24% energy to a comparable building built to minimum code standards, and uses approximately 30% less potable water than a conventional office space. Utilization of energy efficient building materials, solar, water filtration and recycling are some of the initiatives that the Sparks facility used. For example, white roofs help reflect external heat and keep the building cooler. The parking lot was engineered with natural landscaping that filters out vehicle waste so any drainage into the local Truckee River is free of contaminates. Over 150,000 cubic feet of land fill waste was converted to recyclables using local recyclers for steel drums, corrugated, plastic and poly drums.  NOW uses rail shipments instead of trucks for non-critical items, which results in fuel savings and is better for the environment.

“We’re honored with this recognition from EDAWN, but we’re not resting on our laurels. NOW’s Board of Directors has also approved more investment for alternative energy programs, such as a longer period for return on capital investment for those projects or equipment that has a positive environmental impact,” said Jim Emme, NOW CEO. “Environmental considerations have always been part of the NOW principles, and as we get ready to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2018, sustainability remains a priority for us. Our staff and customers expect it, and it’s the right thing to do.”