Designing Green Buildings to Limit our Environmental Impact
Our Purpose-Led Performance (PLP) strategy is a journey, and while we have short- and medium-term goals in relation to water, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), we are implementing our long-term objective of embedding PLP into everything we do. Our new Maryland Logistics Center (MLC) is the latest example of how PLP is influencing our Global Supply Chain of the Future strategy, by employing best-in-class technologies to increase efficiency and storage density, while improving the site’s overall safety, quality, service, sustainability, and risk profile.
The MLC is at the forefront of innovation through supply chain modernization and optimization. Spanning over 1,800,000 square feet, the building is LEED Gold certified and has recently received approval to install a 2MW rooftop solar array. Dan Madigan, Senior Manager Distribution Strategy and Konrad Kutter, from our design engineer partner, CMTA, incorporated core sustainability principles as they planned the project.
“We realized that the MLC was a once in a generation opportunity to design and build a purposed built facility that supports both our Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments as well as our manufacturing facilities,” explained Dan. “As a result, the project team wanted to ensure that the building design not only met our current sustainability goals, but also helped us meet the long-term sustainability goals for the region.”
“McCormick’s ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals played a large role in shaping the design elements of the project,” agreed Konrad. High efficiency equipment, upgraded thermal envelope, increased outside air ventilation, air purifying strategies and renewables were all implemented to ensure the facility would be the most sustainable and energy efficient distribution center of its time. “Without McCormick’s commitment to sustainability, only a portion of those elements would have been implemented. Instead of waiting for others to pave the way, McCormick decided to lead the way and set a precedent for others,” Konrad added.
All of these factors enabled the building’s LEED Gold certification which includes various criteria for design, construction, and intended operations. According to Dan, LEED Gold certification is not common for warehouse facilities.
The 2MW solar power array will be installed in 2023 and is expected to generate around 20% of the electricity consumed by the warehouse. It will tie directly into the building’s electrical system, and used to power lighting, HVAC systems, forklift chargers, and material handling equipment.
The mechanical systems included a high efficiency chiller/boiler plant for air conditioning and heating, high volume low velocity fans and a high-speed variable air compressor plant. The lighting design for the building includes 100% LED fixtures and optimized lighting controls. The high efficiency chiller plant and high efficiency water fixtures will significantly reduce water consumption within the building.
As McCormick continues to grow globally, we are working with dedicated partners to ensure development in a consistently sustainable and optimally efficient manner. “Sustainability does not have to be extra work for a project team if its incorporated early with the right design and construction team,” assured Dan. A fact he and his team have proven, through the thoughtful design and construction of the MLC, which is paving the way for future sustainable development.
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