Press Release
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) honored NOW® with the Leader in Sustainability Large Company award in the greater Reno-Sparks Nevada area's 6th Annual Industry Awards.
NOW’s Sparks facility, the company’s second US manufacturing location, was built with sustainability in mind. It’s on the cutting-edge of green building technology, with a United States Green Building Council Silver LEED certification indicative of NOW’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be safer and healthier for occupants, and reduce harmful greenhouse emissions.
By following strategic sustainability measures, NOW’s Sparks facility saves approximately 24% energy to a comparable building built to minimum code standards, and uses approximately 30% less potable water than a conventional office space. Utilization of energy efficient building materials, solar, water filtration and recycling are some of the initiatives that the Sparks facility used. For example, white roofs help reflect external heat and keep the building cooler. The parking lot was engineered with natural landscaping that filters out vehicle waste so any drainage into the local Truckee River is free of contaminates. Over 150,000 cubic feet of land fill waste was converted to recyclables using local recyclers for steel drums, corrugated, plastic and poly drums. NOW uses rail shipments instead of trucks for non-critical items, which results in fuel savings and is better for the environment.
“We’re honored with this recognition from EDAWN, but we’re not resting on our laurels. NOW’s Board of Directors has also approved more investment for alternative energy programs, such as a longer period for return on capital investment for those projects or equipment that has a positive environmental impact,” said Jim Emme, NOW CEO. “Environmental considerations have always been part of the NOW principles, and as we get ready to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2018, sustainability remains a priority for us. Our staff and customers expect it, and it’s the right thing to do.”
NOW Foods received the EDAWN Company of the Year award in the Large Company category in 2014.
About NOW: Founded by Elwood Richard in 1968 on the belief that natural is better, NOW Foods has grown from a small family operation into one of the most highly respected manufacturers in the natural products industry. Still a family-owned company today, NOW provides customers with a comprehensive approach to wellness by offering more than 1,400 natural dietary supplements, foods, sports nutrition and personal care products. NOW is committed to offering safe, affordable products of the highest quality, and is a highly regarded advocate in the natural products industry. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bloomingdale, Ill., has been GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-certified since 2000 and its in-house laboratory capabilities are among the best in the industry. The company has over 1,500 employees, and its products are sold in more than 60 countries. After nearly 50 years in the natural products industry, NOW remains committed to its original mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives. www.NOWFoods.com