NOW’s Newest Manufacturing Facility Earns LEED Certification

Bloomingdale, IL – NOW^®, the largest independent and family-owned manufacturer of natural products in the U.S. health food store channel, is pleased to announce that its newest manufacturing facility has been awarded LEED Silver certification. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)  is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

The 90,000 square foot building, all of which is dedicated to production, is next door to the company’s flagship plant in Bloomingdale, Illinois, and doubled the capacity of that facility. This is NOW’s second manufacturing facility to achieve US Green Building Council LEED Silver Certification – the first location was in Sparks, Nevada in 2012.

The LEED certification program was developed in 1994 by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage sustainable practices design and development by means of tools and criteria for performance measurement. The certification process involves extensive documentation on every aspect of a building, including water and energy use, lighting, air quality, recycling, sustainable sourcing of materials, and incorporating LEED certified equipment and training. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.

“The work of innovative building projects like NOW Health Group’s is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way our buildings are built, designed, and operated,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Buildings  that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, reducing operating costs, and conserving resources while prioritizing sustainable practices and human health. With NOW’s help, we are increasing the number of green buildings and getting closer to USGBC’s goal to outpace conventional buildings, while being environmentally and socially responsible and improving quality of life for generations to come.”

Because sustainability is part of NOW’s core values, all of NOW’s facilities, four in Illinois, one in Sparks, Nevada and one in Canada, prioritize environmentally-conscious features. From energy efficient lighting and solar panels to water conservation and electric car charging stations, all of NOW’s facilities work to maximize their green efforts.  

“Environmental awareness has been part of NOW’s business operations since Elwood Richard founded the company 55 years ago,” said Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Health Group. “Seeking LEED certification not only confirms our environmental commitment, but the resulting report serves as an internal benchmark for continued improvement going forward.”