Work started on this new warehouse and logistics building in Denver in early 2008 but the Whirlpool Corporation was able to start using it before Christmas the same year. Day and night, trucks drive up to 66 loading bays on the 130,000-sq m site to collect goods and distribute them to Whirlpool stores throughout the state of Colorado. With its distribution centres in Denver, Columbus, Atlanta and Spanaway, Whirlpool is a pioneer in green construction. Over 30% of building materials used in the property are made from recycled materials, while energy efficiency is a priority objective when it comes to running the huge warehouses as well as the offices and sanitary facilities. LEED certification is recognition of this commitment.

• Regulation of microclimate via heat-reflecting white plastic roofing
• Energy-efficient HVAC air filter system complying with the US MERV standard
• Energy monitoring and room thermostats
• Motion sensors in offices
• Controlled light management system for illuminating storage areas
• Toilets and urinals equipped with water-saving technology
• Drip irrigation system with rain sensors
• Recycling system
• Use of low-emission materials
• 36% recycled building materials
• Preferential parking for car pools and environmentally friendly vehicles

Eco-balance
These measures reduced the building’s energy consumption (based on the average energy costs for a comparable property) by 19.5%.

Heat protection with TPO roof membrane
The façade of the Whirlpool Distribution Center is made of pre-cast concrete panels, providing thermal mass for energy-efficient indoor climate control. A TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roof membrane provides solar shading. It has an advantageous eco-balance and offers high reflection for very good heat radiation.

Air filter system and fresh air ventilation
A ventilation and indoor climate management system complying with the US MERV standard (MERV 13 Filter) delivers high air quality in all offices. Fresh air ventilation has been optimised for an air change rate exceeding 30%.

Water-saving sanitary fittings
The toilets have dual economy flush buttons while the urinals and fixtures have water-saving features. These measures have made water savings of over 40% per annum possible.

Drip irrigation system and rain sensors
The landscaped areas were largely stocked with plants suitable for dry conditions. A drip irrigation system supplies the other plants, trees and bushes around the entrance, park areas and perimeter via controlled watering and time management, allowing significant water savings.

Quality control of wastewater
In order not to pollute natural watercourses, wastewater is collected onsite and processed.

Light management with adjustment options and motion detectors
Light management features such as motion detection in offices are combined with individually adjustable light sources. The warehouse areas are illuminated only in response to motion sensors – a highly effective way of managing power consumption.

A healthy working environment courtesy of low-emission building materials
When constructing the Whirlpool Distribution Center, materials were selected according to stringent ecological factors. Almost 70% of the materials used came from within a 500-mile radius, thus keeping transportation costs to a minimum. More than half the wood originated from FSC-certified forests. There was thus a strong focus on using environmentally friendly building materials to enhance the user experience.

Double recycling protects the environment
36% of the materials used in the construction of the Whirlpool Distribution Center were recycled building materials. Following completion, recycling remains a key aspect: plastic, metal, paper, glass and cardboard are strictly separated in the warehousing and collection areas.

High air and light quality
The ventilation and indoor climate management system ensures high air quality in all offices. Fresh air ventilation delivers a pleasant working environment as does the ability to individually adjust workstation lighting.

Biodiversity in landscaped spaces
Open space accounts for some 25% of the total site area, which exceeds the required amount by 68%. This area is landscaped with native plants, making a valuable contribution to biodiversity and creating an attractive environment in which to work.

Green mobility
Preferential parking zones have been created for car pools and environmentally friendly vehicles with low fuel consumption.