CHICAGO, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Testa Produce shot for the moon when it set out to build the most eco-friendly refrigerated foods distribution center in the nation. Now, after months of applications, inspections and verifications, Testa's unwavering commitment to sustainability has earned the ultimate recognition –LEED™ Platinum certification, the highest level granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). 

"We're excited and gratified to have earned LEED Platinum certification. It's no longer pending, it's proven," said Peter Testa, President of Testa Produce and the visionary behind the new distribution center. "We wanted to raise the bar on sustainable operations in our industry to the highest level and this certification confirms that we succeeded. Ours is the first refrigerated food distribution facility in the nation to be certified LEED Platinum."

Testa Produce achieved its certification for the broad slate of "green", energy-efficient features incorporated into its new facility. Among them are a 750kW wind turbine, a partially vegetated roof, solar panels that heat 100% of the building's hot water, and a sophisticated water reclamation and treatment system. Combined, these and other features generate a 60% savings in energy consumption at the 91,000-square-foot distribution center.

"Testa Produce's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach farther than ever before, and Testa Produce serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish."

The Testa distribution center, opened in the Chicago Stockyards Industrial Park in May 2011, was designed by Epstein architects. Summit Design + Build served as the construction manager and WBS Equities served as owner's project consultant. Construction and permanent financing was provided by MB Bank. All are local Chicago-based concerns.

For more information and photos visit www.testaproduce.com or Testa's Facebook page.

Testa Produce:  Founded in 1912, Testa Produce, Inc. is Chicago's premier independent produce distributor. In addition to a broad line of domestic, local, organic, sustainable, and imported fresh produce items, the company delivers frozen, canned, and specialty foods to fine restaurants, hotels, and institutions throughout Illinois and much of Wisconsin. Testa is a member of PRO*ACT, the foodservice industry's largest produce buying and marketing organization, and Legacy Foodservice Alliance.

 CONTACT:      Angela Bader, angelab@testaproduce.com, (312) 226-3237

SOURCE Testa Produce, Inc.

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