Radio Flyer's Chicago Headquarters Earns LEED Platinum Certification

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Apr 15, 2014, 05:00 ET

CHICAGO, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In time for Earth Day, Radio Flyer, Inc., maker of the famous little red wagon and leading producer of wagons, tricycles and three-wheel scooters in the United States, proudly announced today its Chicago, Ill. headquarters has received Platinum Certification for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Focused on environmentally sustainable practices, the certification acknowledges key design decisions, including the renovation of existing warehouse space, dedicated recycling areas, and geo-thermal heating and cooling systems.

Radio Flyer LEED Platinum Certification Glass Walls (PRNewsFoto/Radio Flyer, Inc.)

Radio Flyer Little Green Garden (PRNewsFoto/Radio Flyer, Inc. )

With a mission for all employees to work in an environmentally sustainable office – and to serve as an example for other companies – Radio Flyer sought to renovate 70,000 of its 150,000 square foot space. The 70,000 square foot area was transformed into an open concept design, complete with exposed wood beams, natural lighting, an indoor and outdoor paly lab, eco-friendly parking lot and landscaped "backyard" complete with native prairie plants. Repurposing an existing space is one of the fundamental pillars on the path to securing LEED Platinum Certification and Radio Flyer made sure to take all details into account. Geo-thermal heating and cooling systems and solar heated ventilation air have reduced Radio Flyer's natural gas use by 50%, while additional natural light sources such as skylights and indoor glass walls have helped cut back on energy consumption.

"Our mission is to create awesome kids products that inspire outdoor active play, so it just makes sense that we work to do our part to improve the environment," said Robert Pasin, Chief Wagon Officer and grandson of the founder. "We are so proud to have achieved the distinction of LEED Platinum."

Other "green" solutions that led to LEED Platinum Certification include cisterns able to retain 10,000 gallons of storm water that is repurposed for fertilizer-free irrigation, bike storage and a locker room for employees who bike to work, a preferred parking area for high efficiency, low emission cars and dedicated areas for on-site recycling. Employees can also bring in items from home such as old shoes or clothes, batteries and electronics, helping Radio Flyer recycle an impressive 86% of waste created.

To further strengthen its "green" practices, Radio Flyer has partnered with The Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree in the United States every time a toy is purchased from RadioFlyer.com. Their partnership with Smart Way Transport will ensure that Radio Flyer products are moved in the smartest, most efficient way possible.

For more information on Radio Flyer visit www.RadioFlyer.com and to learn more on what it takes to earn LEED certification, visit www.usgbc.org/leed.

About Radio Flyer
Radio Flyer, Inc., maker of the famous little red wagon, is the leading producer of wagons, tricycles three-wheel scooters in the United States. Radio Flyer has more than 100 award-winning products available in 25 countries, including bicycles, scooters and a variety of ride-ons. Since 1917, the privately-held, family-owned company has created icons of childhood, building a legacy of high quality, timeless and innovative toys that spark the imagination and inspire outdoor, active play. Radio Flyer has received numerous awards, including "Best Places to Work in Chicago" by Crain's, "Top Small Workplaces" by The Wall Street Journal and "5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America," by Inc. For more information visit www.radioflyer.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140414/73015
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140414/73014

SOURCE Radio Flyer, Inc