Why FSC Was Important to This Project
The project is currently registered for LEED-NC Silver Rating. From the onset of the project, the client, Patagonia Inc., wanted to pursue LEED Certification. Patagonia has a known commitment to the environment evident from their mission statement, “To make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” While this is a utilitarian project, Patagonia was committed to create a sustainable building through green building principles and green materials, including FSC-certified wood products. Most of the wood specified in the project came from FSC certified manufacturers. User and visitor education on FSC wood is done through a video running in the retail center along brochures and pamphlets.
This will potentially be the first LEED certified project in Reno, NV. The General Contractor and all sub-contractors had never worked on a LEED project before this. Hence, they had no knowledge on what FSC certification was. Even the client representatives had never heard of FSC certification. The process of going through the FSC certified wood suppliers was highly educational for the team. In trying to make sure that NO wood came from a non-FSC source, they brought all sub-contractors on board and checked the source of every wood product. They asked the contractor to find the products instead of specifying it through the architect, ensuring the contractor felt more responsible for the right products. The process brought the awareness about green building and FSC wood to the GC and sub-contractors. It also expanded market transformation through client education, which has increased their commitment towards green building and products. The marketing and educational material being displayed and distributed explains the benefits to general public, which should set the first footsteps for green building in Reno’s future.
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Project Name: Patagonia Distribution Center Expansion
Location: Reno, NV
Building Type: Industrial
Square Footage: 225,425
Owner: Patagonia, Inc.
Architect: Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects
Use of FSC-certified Wood
The primary application of wood is in the structure of the building. Cost of wood-based products was 8.36% of total material cost, out of which more than 50% is FSC-certified wood. FSC products include Roseburg Ultrablend and Roseburg Skyblend.
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