Watsonville, CA (November 1, 2011) It’s official: Nordic Naturals^® has become the first NSF certified supplier and marketer of dietary supplements in the US to build a new LEED^® Gold certified facility. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is an internationally recognized green building certification system that promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability. At 87,000 square feet, Nordic Naturals’ two-story Watsonville, CA headquarters with warehouse and fulfillment is the largest LEED Gold certified building in the tri-county area and sits amid 108,500 square feet of undisturbed wildlife habitat.

According to Joar Opheim, Nordic Naturals Founder and CEO, “Visitors are surprised to see that most of the flooring is cork. Cork oak bark can be harvested up to 20 times during its lifetime and is extremely resistant to heat, sound, and wear, making it an ideal green building material. Employees have commented on enjoying a nicer work environment and increased productivity due to improved lighting, sound, air circulation, and a noticeable absence of chemicals used in typical construction.”

To watch a special video of the inauguration of the new LEED certified building, see http://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Education/YouTube_Presentations/507.

Some of the building highlights include: skylights and localized radiant heat in warehouse; gym/workout/shower area with recycled rubber flooring; manually operated folding partitions and flexible lighting controls to divide conference rooms into smaller areas; water purification systems in kitchens and coffee bars; bathroom wall and floor tile made from 40% recycled material without solvents in their glazes; bicycle parking; landscaping that uses 55% less water; 44% water savings from low-flow toilets, faucets, and  showerheads; electrical energy use reduction by 31%; recycled material use throughout the structure accounts for almost 26% of the total material costs; local products and regional materials at 32% of the total material costs; reduction of indoor contaminants; and no PVCs, VOCs, formaldehyde or heavy metals in wall coverings. At each step, Nordic Naturals partnered with green builders and designers to incorporate products that conserve resources and improve health.

Nordic Naturals’ builder Ausonio Inc., a design & construction company in Castroville, won a prestigious Tilt-Up Achievement Award for the new headquarters. The project management and interior design was completed by Vivian Gunnerengen with Interior Lighting and Design of Santa Cruz.

Since 1995, Nordic Naturals has been the industry leader in fish oil supplementation, setting standards of excellence in the areas of purity, freshness, taste, and sustainability. With their reputation for efficacy and potency, Nordic Naturals fish oils and EFA blends are regularly chosen for study by independent research institutions and universities. Fifteen published scientific studies have been completed and more than 30 are currently underway. Distributing to over 30 countries on 6 continents, Nordic Naturals offers over 150 products in a variety of flavors, concentrations, and delivery forms. To learn more, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com. Friend us on facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals. 

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