Patagonia defines the quality of its company by the degree to which it can reduce its impact on the environment. To that end it has celebrated the cultural histories of the communities it is located in by recycling and restoring existing structures whenever possible. From 1996-1998 the company restored two buildings - one in Reno and one in California - and became more energy efficient with the goal of demonstrating that alternatives to conventional, waste-intensive construction practices and energy generation exist and yield structures that are more sustainable and in harmony with the environment.
Innovation
The company's Reno Service Center, located on the banks of the Truckee River at the site of the old Tahoe Timber Lumber Mill, was built in 1996 at a cost of $19 million with green innovations in mind. Along with the loading docks, metal shelves, office furniture and more, Patagonia incorporated environmental components to reduce the demand on energy and reuse building materials. The 171,000-square foot warehouse/office complex is made of steel, insulation and window glass containing recylced materials. Inside the carpet is 100% recycled polyester, restroom counter tops are 100% recycled plastic and portions of the office walls are made of formaldehyde-free, compressed field straw. Wallboard, paint, floor coverings and ceiling and shower tiles also use recycled content.
Its energy efficient lighting systems rely on motion sensors to help conserve electricity and a radiant heating system in the winter uses copper tubing and hot water to save natural gas. A bio-filtration system with an oil/water separator moves runoff from the roof and parking lot to percolate back into the ground. The building is old-growth free because all wood used is either reclaimed or sustainably harvested.
In 1997, Patagonia built the Firehouse as a tribute to a turn-of-the-century fire station and local landmark and a much needed addition to it Ventura, CA, campus. Its steel framework has a minimum of 98.5% recycled content; 90% of the wood used is reclaimed from forest-fires, barn and bridges; and bathroom partitiions are 100% recycled plastic with low-flow shower heads, toilets and lighting systems that use motion sensors.
In 1998, the company became the first in California to buy all its electricity from newly constructed renewable energy plants. It currently operates 13 buildings in the state, including its headquarters and four stores, using almost a million kilowatt-hours annually. Its Denver store is windpowered and the outlet store in Reno has photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Impact
Patagonia's green innovations at its warehouse in Reno will pay for themselves through 30-35% energy savings within three to eight years. The company takes a holistic approach to all aspects of its business, applying the lessons learned from sourcing lower impact dyes and organic cotton to maintaining its physical plant and powering its computers to work tirelessly to reduce pollution. It is setting an example through the use of alternatives to conventional, waste-intensvie construction practices and energy generation to yield products, structures and ultimately, lifestyles that are more sustainable and in harmony with the environment.
Inspiration
Patagonia defines the quality of its company by the degree to which it can reduce its impact on the environment. However, walking the talk means more than auditing the materials and methods it uses for the products it makes.
The World Inquiry editorial team edited this profile from the original submission of the interviewer or other source. The views expressed do not necessarily represent Case Western Reserve University, the Weatherhead School of Management or the Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. More >>
