<p>Testa Produce, Chicago, Illinois, opened a new distribution center with a state of the art solar energy system. The system is part of Testa’s aggressive campaign to earn [the facility] the U.S. Green Building’s Council’s highest LEED rating. It consists of 180 photovoltaic solar panels located above the building’s loading dock and parking lot, and produces the equivalent of 5,500-kilowatt hours of energy per year. The panels feature plug-in energy outlets for electric cars. The solar panels also support a hot water tubular system, which heats 100% of the water used in the 91,300-square-foot building. This eliminates the need for alternative fuel source and minimizes the facility’s emissions. Company president Peter Testa stated, “The use of solar energy is another way in which we’re reducing our carbon footprint with natural, renewable resources. Combined with our innovative wind energy program, vegetated roof, water management systems, and other eco-friendly initiatives; it is putting us closer to our goal of being the first foodservice distributor in the nation to gain LEED® Platinum certification.” The center is located in Chicago Stockyards Industrial Park and was designed by Epstein architects.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>To see photos of the site visit www.testaproduce.com</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
