REI Takes Its Stewardship of the Outdoors to the Next Level: A Net-Zero-Energy Distribution Center

REI constructed a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona, which is the only facility of its type in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy. Developed with RMI through an integrative design charrette, the facility combines aggressive efficiency measures—such as LED lighting, motion sensors, and air-cooled chillers—with a 2.2-megawatt rooftop PV system. The solar array generates 25–30 percent more energy than the building consumes, providing a return on investment through approximately 20 years of free power. The project also integrates advanced automation and employee-centric climate controls, such as hyperchairs, to balance operational efficiency with workforce comfort.

• REI's 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona, is the only distribution center in the United States to achieve both net-zero energy and LEED Platinum certification.
• The facility achieves net-zero energy by combining efficiency measures—including LED lights with motion sensors, skylights, and air-cooled chillers—with a 2.2-megawatt rooftop PV system. This solar array is one of the largest in Arizona and produces 25–30 percent more energy than the building consumes, even during summer months with temperatures up to 120° Fahrenheit.
• The project demonstrates that integrating sustainability into the initial design process reduces the return on investment (ROI) period; the PV system is expected to pay for itself in five years and provide approximately 20 years of free power.
• The center incorporates a first-of-its-kind omnichannel one-touch automated fulfillment system that allows a single worker to process items eight times faster than in typical distribution centers, proving that high automation can coexist with sustainability.
• To improve employee comfort while reducing energy use, the facility utilizes 'hyperchairs' that allow staff to control their own microclimate rather than heating or cooling the entire building.

APA

RMI (2017). REI Takes Its Stewardship of the Outdoors to the Next Level: A Net-Zero-Energy Distribution Center. https://rmi.org/resources/rei-takes-stewardship-outdoors-next-level-net-zero-energy-distribution-center/

Chicago

RMI. REI Takes Its Stewardship of the Outdoors to the Next Level: A Net-Zero-Energy Distribution Center. 2017. https://rmi.org/resources/rei-takes-stewardship-outdoors-next-level-net-zero-energy-distribution-center/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=RMI |title=REI Takes Its Stewardship of the Outdoors to the Next Level: A Net-Zero-Energy Distribution Center |date=1 February 2017 |url=https://rmi.org/resources/rei-takes-stewardship-outdoors-next-level-net-zero-energy-distribution-center/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{rmi2017rei, author = {{RMI}}, title = {{REI Takes Its Stewardship of the Outdoors to the Next Level: A Net-Zero-Energy Distribution Center}}, institution = {RMI}, year = {2017}, month = feb, url = {https://rmi.org/resources/rei-takes-stewardship-outdoors-next-level-net-zero-energy-distribution-center/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }