An Analysis of Common Practices: Sustainability in Distribution Centers
Open Access
Author:
Piciacchio, Rachel Lynn
Area of Honors:
Supply Chain and Information Systems
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Robert Alexander Novack, Thesis Supervisor Dr. John C. Spychalski, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
sustainability supply chain distribution centers LEED USGBC lighting cooling green environmentally friendly
Abstract:
Environmentally sustainable building practices have become increasingly popular over the past few years. With a growing need for corporate social responsibility, companies have often turned to the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification process to confirm their sustainable construction procedures. This thesis, in full, contains a background and current standards on the United States Green Building Council’s certification system, going into depth how environmentally friendly construction is properly accredited. This thesis also contains summaries of sustainable practices from companies, large and small, across different industries and how these practices collectively come together into the most common environmentally friendly distribution center standards. Areas such as lighting, cooling, waste and recycling, water use, and equipment are explored. This thesis will provide a framework for any company, large and small, interested in getting started or renovating their distribution process with the aid of commonly used sustainable building practices.
