Griffin Beverage's new St. Ignace warehouse has something no other beverage distribution warehouse in the state yet has--LEED certification for energy efficiency and building sustainability.
The family-owned business met standards for the LEED green building rating system, which is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, by using local and recycled materials, local contractors and supply businesses, and using energy efficient devices and techniques throughout construction.
"Griffin Beverage has deep roots in our community and our state and we want to do everything we can to protect Michigan's natural resources for generations, while reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels," says the company's general manager, Bob Griffin Jr.
Some of the things Griffin did to earn the certification include siting the warehouse on a location that minimizes excavation and maximizes natural drainage; using locally-sourced and recycled materials; using paints and adhesives with low levels of volatile organic compounds; using electric-operated forklifts to reduce emissions; using low-flow plumbing fixtures; and using CFC-free refrigerants in a retrofitted refrigeration system.
Also contributing to the rating was Griffin's use of local contractors and businesses, like Miller Construction of West Branch, Warner Plumbing and Heating of Cheboygan, Island Electric and Huskey Construction of St. Ignace, among others.
"We are proud to do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint while at the same time partnering with local businesses, suppliers and contractors to protect and create local jobs," says Griffin.
The warehouse is at the corner of U.S. 2 and Portage Road in St. Ignace. It is 20,000 square feet and cost about $1 million to build, with the help of East Lansing architecture firm Bergmann Associates. It was finished in 2010 and certified with LEED status this March.
Griffin Beverage serves 41 counties in the U.P. and northern lower Michigan. It's also one of the largest recyclers in the state.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Bob Griffin, Jr., Griffin Beverage Company
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