LEWISBURG, PA--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2012) - Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative playground and fitness equipment, today 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 (GBCI). 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 (GSA).
"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 CertifiedCM 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.
About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org, on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. Nearly 46,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising 8.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 120 countries. In addition, nearly 20,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with over 74,000 more homes registered. By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at www.usgbc.org/LEED.
About Playworld Systems, Inc.
For over 40 years, Playworld Systems has been a leader in creating imaginative, customized commercial playground and fitness equipment that positively impacts the health and well-being of communities around the globe. Based on the belief that The World Needs Play®, Playworld Systems brings the joy and benefits of healthful outdoor play and exercise to people of every age and ability through such innovative product lines as PlayDesigns®, PlaySimple®, Playworld®, Origins™, NEOS®, ENERGI®, and LifeTrail® .
Playworld Systems' products are made in the U.S.A. in its Lewisburg, Pa. manufacturing facility using domestic and foreign content, with a small number of parts purchased from trusted international suppliers. This multi-generational, family-owned company continues to invest significant resources to measurably reduce its impact on the environment. Its aggressive action to eliminate polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has helped Playworld Systems become the first and only playground manufacturer to have its products Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Basic. The company offers an optimal customer experience unique in the industry -- from value-added services using Microsoft Tag to personalized attention through its vast network of local distributors.
Playworld Systems has received numerous awards throughout its history, including two International Industrial Design Excellence Awards, a gold medal from International Design magazine, two News Directors' Choice Awards on Early Childhood, and the Pennsylvania Governors' Award for Safety Excellence. In 2012, Playworld Systems received an Evergreen Award in the sports and recreation category from the GSA Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center. For more information about Playworld Systems, visit PlayworldSystems.com.