First distribution center in Exel’s North American real estate network and in the city of Laredo to receive LEED certification
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Exel, part of the supply chain division of the global logistics leader DHL, announced today that its 250,000-square-foot Logistics Without Borders distribution center in Laredo, Texas, has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility is the first distribution center in Exel’s North American real estate network and in the city of Laredo to receive LEED certification.
The facility, which opened in October 2012, earned its LEED designation because of its environmentally responsible design elements and efficient operating systems including energy efficient lighting, sky lights, low-flow plumbing, a white roof system, storm water runoff containment, and a recycling program. All elements were designed to conserve energy and water, reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger Laredo community.
“Our commitment to the environment, the community in which we work, and to our associates is integral to our business model and one of the driving factors of our decision to design and build a LEED-certified distribution center,” said Brian Locasto, Senior Director of Operations at Exel. “Building a sustainable commercial building – one that lasts and whose operations have minimal environmental and resource impact – starts with an inspired team collaborating on design and efficiency. Our ability to succeed in this effort was the result of the collaboration with the city of Laredo, Webb County, and the Laredo Development Foundation. Exel is proud to have our first certified build to suit – and the first one for Laredo – as a showcase of our capability.”
LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings, giving the industry a framework for practical green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions to help reduce energy consumption.
The Laredo facility is a half mile from the U.S./Mexico border, and serves as a hub for Exel and DHL Supply Chain’s Logistics Without Borders supply chain solution. This end-to-end supply chain solution incorporates all business units of DHL and provides customers with one-stop access to the tools, expertise and services necessary for cross-border shipping. The facility is a multi-client, multi-industry operation that supports customer supply chains on both sides of the border. Current customers include Sensata, Flextronics, Daimler Truck, Vitromex and BOS.
To read more about the Logistics Without Borders facility, visit www.exel.com.
