Hanesbrands’ distribution center in Perris, California, opened in January 2009 to instantly become a linchpin of our environmental strategy. This 1.3-million-square-foot facility is the largest in our worldwide supply chain by square footage and one of the biggest warehouses in the world built to advanced environmental standards. We had it constructed to the stringent standards of the U.S. Green Building Council guidelines, focusing on innovative ways to conserve energy, water, and material usage. It is, as of February 2010, the largest single free-standing LEED New Construction certified warehouse/distribution building in the world.

• The building’s energy usage is 19 percent lower than for a typical warehouse of its size, as a result of extensive use of natural sky-lighting, motion-detection lighting, roof insulation, and a design that does not require heating or air conditioning for a comfortable working environment.
• Water usage was reduced by nearly 40 percent compared with typical warehouses of its size, through low-water toilet fixtures and low-water landscaping. The center is also using catchment basins to maximize storm-water retention and minimize water discharge into the sewer system.
• The amount of construction material sent to a landfill was reduced by more than 60 percent (nearly 300 tons) through recycling and material reuse and innovative site grading techniques.
• We also used locally produced concrete and steel to reduce transportation emissions
• We are researching the installation of solar panels on the very large roof to help generate electricity.

Other environmental highlights of the Perris distribution center include the use of paints, carpets, and other materials with a low content of volatile organic compounds; minimal use of chemical pesticides; location near public transportation to reduce the parking lot size and reliance on automobile transportation; preferred parking for low-emission and low-energy vehicles; and on-site bicycle storage and shower and changing room facilities.