Primeline Group, a leading logistics and supply chain provider, successfully achieved LEED Gold and Silver certifications for two newly built warehouses in Ashbourne, County Meath which have a combined area of over 30,000m2.
Primeline Group’s Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern logistics operations, driven by environmental responsibility and customer demand for greener practices and meet sustainability goals. Recognising this, Primeline Group embarked on a mission to construct two state-of-the-art warehouses in Ashbourne, County Meath, aligned with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The goal was to achieve LEED certification, reflecting ambitious environmental performance and resource efficiency objectives.
This case study explores the sustainable design and construction strategies employed, the challenges encountered, and the significant environmental and operational benefits realised through these certifications. The project demonstrates Primeline’s commitment to sustainabiliy and operational excellence, setting a benchmark for green logistics infrastructure.
Challenges Facing Primeline Group
The logistics industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Primeline sought to address the following challenges in its new build warehousing units by:-
- Lowering operational energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enhancing water efficiency in a high-usage industrial environment.
- Promoting the use of sustainable building materials.
- Meeting rigorous LEED certification standards while adhering to budgetary and timeline constraints.
The LEED Accreditation Approach for Primeline Group
To achieve these goals, Primeline Group adopted a multi-pronged strategy that emphasised green building principles.
Sustainable Sites
- Located in Ashbourne, the site leveraged proximity to key transportation networks, minimizing travel distances and emissions.
- Construction activity pollution prevention was carried out while also ensuring there was a reduction in light pollution on site.
Energy & Atmosphere
- Installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting throughout both warehouses.
- Incorporation of rooftop solar panels on both warehouses, generating renewable energy onsite.
- High-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing to reduce heating and cooling demands.
Indoor Environmental Quality
- Use of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, adhesives, and materials to enhance indoor air quality.
- Implementation of a ventilation system that exceeds ASHRAE standards.
Water Efficiency
- Indoor and outdoor water usage possibilities were looked at and refined to ensure there was a reduction in water use on site.
- Low-flow fixtures and fittings implemented in restrooms and other facilities.
Resources
- Use of recycled and locally sourced materials during construction to lower embodied carbon.
- Robust waste management plan ensured that over 75% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
LEED Certification Results for Primeline Group
The concerted efforts yielded the following results:
Warehouse 1 (LEED Gold Certification)
- Achieved a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to baseline standards.
- Generated 25% of its energy needs through solar power.
- Reduced potable water usage by 50%, thanks to low-flow systems and water usage reduction measures.
Total points achieved: 62 – LEED Gold
Warehouse 2 (LEED Silver Certification)
- Achieved a 30% reduction in energy consumption.
- Reduced potable water usage by 40%.
- Incorporated energy-efficient systems that contributed significantly to operational cost savings.
Total points achieved: 58 – LEED Silver
Lawler Sustainability provided LEED Assessor Services to ensure progress through the LEED system was monitored and reviewed in order to achieve certification.
Tangible benefits for Primeline Group
- Enhanced environmental performance, reducing carbon footprint and resource consumption.
- Long-term operational cost savings through energy and water efficiency.
- Improved brand reputation as a sustainability leader in the logistics sector.
- Compliance with evolving regulations and customer expectations for green practices.
Primeline Group’s achievement of LEED Gold and Silver certifications for its Ashbourne warehouses demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to sustainable logistics. These facilities not only meet high environmental standards but also provide a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market and Lawler Sustainability will continue to work with Primeline to leverage renewable energy systems to further reduce operational emissions.
