Dr Pepper Snapple Group's Plano, Texas headquarters are now LEED-Gold certified.
The extensive renovation will not only cut the building's operating budget by 25%, but the upfront price of the retrofit will be paid back in under a year.
The building has also earned an EPA Energy Star for cutting 3.2 million kWh of energy from 2008-2011.
In addition to offices, Dr. Pepper's headquarters contain a research and development center, and a data center, both of which complicate energy reduction measures.
Here are some of the things that contributed to the savings:
- Water Efficiency - water needed for landscaping irrigation was cut 50% by using water sensors
- Energy and Atmosphere - light meters that identified lighting efficiencies across the property resulted in saving over 2 million KWh of energy. Lights in exessively lit areas were removed, LEDs are used for exterior lighting, and lighting sensors are in common areas.
- Sustainable Sites - converted landscapint to native plants, which reduce the need for irrigation, live longer because they are better sited, control erosion, improve pest management and provide habitat.
- Materials Resources - invested in energy efficient equipment throughout the building, and will use EPEAT for computer purchases.
- Indoor Environmental Quality - 100% green cleaning products are used.
Dr. Pepper also has a LEED-Silver certification for its 850,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution center in Victorville, California. Its hub-and-spoke distribution system has eliminated the need for cross-country shipping, which the company calls a game changer.
