Playworld Systems' Products Receive LEED Certification

Lewisburg-based Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative playground and fitness equipment, Thursday announced its headquarters and manufacturing plant have been LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute.     
            LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Playworld Systems’ headquarters and manufacturing plant were LEED certified under the rating system for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance.
            The LEED certification is the latest example of Playworld Systems’ internal environmental improvement efforts that set the standard for the industry. 
            Previous achievements for the company and its products include Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Basic, the elimination of 99.999 percent of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and recognition from the U.S. General Services Administration.
            “I am incredibly proud that Playworld Systems’ headquarters and manufacturing facility have achieved LEED certification. This accomplishment is the latest demonstration of the company’s unwavering commitment to minimizing our environmental impact,” said Matthew Miller, chief executive officer of Playworld Systems. “Our achievements in this area are unprecedented in this industry. Playworld Systems’ sustainability initiative began more than 10 years ago and is now a fundamental part of our company culture. We will continue to lead the way with programs, products, materials and designs that reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for generations to come.”
            Part of Playworld Systems’ company-wide sustainability program called Green Action led to elimination of 99.999 percent of PVC from its products. This contributed to the company becoming the only playground manufacturer to have its products Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Basic. 
            Cradle to Cradle Certified is a rigorous and comprehensive environmental certification system administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute that evaluates products and materials for their impact on human health and environmental health and design for future life cycles. 
            Other sustainability practices include lean manufacturing to lessen energy consumption and eliminate material waste, conservation initiatives such as single stream recycling, and employee sustainability efforts.  
            In 2012, Playworld Systems was the only commercial playground manufacturer to receive an Evergreen Award in the sports and recreation category from the GSA's Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center. The award recognizes the efforts of industry partners who do business in an environmentally-friendly way.
            “The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “As a company focused on enabling everyone to enjoy healthy outdoor activity, Playworld Systems understands this. By efficiently using our natural resources, Playworld Systems makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet.”
            Playworld Systems’ headquarters and manufacturing facility achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.


4/23/2012

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