xpedx plans to earn designation in five new facilities, recertify 23 others in 2014 

CINCINNATI – xpedx, a leading business-to-business distribution company in North America, has earned the ENERGY STAR® designation at its locations in Lakeland, Fla. (6870 First Park Blvd.) and Knoxville, Tenn. (5900 Middlebrook Pike). xpedx is an “ENERGY STAR partner” and is committed to responsible stewardship of natural resources. 

The ENERGY STAR designation is only given to buildings scoring in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency, based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) energy performance rating system. The xpedx facilities in Lakeland and Knoxville meet strict energy performance standards, use less energy, are less expensive to operate and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions than peer facilities.

“We are committed to the preservation of the environment and the ENERGY STAR reflects our dedication to energy conservation,” said Michael Natale, general manager of the xpedx Lakeland location. “Simple changes such as replacing light fixtures and adjusting the thermostat for non-occupied hours not only benefit the environment, but they save money as well.”

The Lakeland and Knoxville sites have nearly 425,000 square feet of combined space. 

The xpedx team in Knoxville reduced energy costs by replacing old fluorescent light fixtures with mirror lighting. The mirrored shield that runs the length of the new fixture illuminates a larger space, which allowed the facility to cut the number of light fixtures in half.

In Lakeland, xpedx installed high efficiency lighting with motion sensors so the lights are only on when needed. The facility has also staggered electric equipment charging to non-peak hours and programmed the air conditioning unit to reduce energy consumption during non-occupied hours.

xpedx has established a goal to earn the ENERGY STAR in a total of five new facilities this year, including Lakeland and Knoxville. It intends to recertify 23 other locations that have earned the ENERGY STAR in previous years. As an “ENERGY STAR partner,” xpedx is also participating in a national call-to-action to improve the energy efficiency of America’s commercial and industrial buildings. 

ENERGY STAR is just one element of xpedx’s strategy to maintain sustainable operations, offer sustainable product choices and provide leadership in sustainable business practices. xpedx will also track recycling diversion rates at all locations in a drive to reduce landfill materials. The business is continuing a policy regarding the use of paper, in which 90 percent of its marketing materials only use paper certified to either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) standards. xpedx is a SmartWay® Transport Partner, which reflects its commitment to reduce emissions from its fleet.