Amazon announced its same-day delivery site in Sacramento, CA, has become the first fulfillment center in North America to earn a Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute.
Amazon reported it achieved the certification through use of established and innovative technology that helps the site reduce carbon emissions and operate more efficiently.
The building features are a white roof, which reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption and the amount of energy used in the cooling system. High-efficiency motors, low-friction belts and low-friction rollers inside the facility reduce energy use from material handling equipment.
The certification process requires a building to achieve energy and embodied carbon reduction targets with power provided by 100% renewable energy. Recognizes building emissions can’t currently be completely eliminated, the certification requires carbon neutralization. ILFI sets a rigorous standard for validating building decarbonization efforts, Amazon pointed out. To get certified, the Sacramento facility’s operations had to meet energy efficiency performance targets over 12 consecutive months.
“At Amazon, we are laser focused on reaching our Climate Pledge commitment by 2040, and our buildings are a big piece of this puzzle,” said Kara Hurst, Amazon chief sustainability officer. “This facility is not only delivering for our customers within hours of their order, but it was also built to reduce its environmental impact. We are challenging ourselves to think big and design Amazon’s buildings in a way that helps lead the industry toward decarbonization.”
