VF : Headquarters Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

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VF's International Headquarters Achieves LEED Platinum Certification

June 24, 2016

VF Corporation's International headquarters building in Stabio, Switzerland, has achieved LEED Platinum Certification.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is the foremost third-party verification system for buildings, homes and communities. Buildings that meet the strict criteria for certification are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

The Stabio building opened three years ago. From the location, VF International manages and oversees the company's business in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

'We are delighted that our building has achieved such a prestigious qualification,' said Anna Maria Rugarli, VF EMEA Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. 'This result was possible thanks to the vision of the company and the commitment of all our colleagues. Our international headquarters is now a symbol of excellence, a model of energy efficiency and integration in the local community.'

VF international headquarters achieved the highest level of certification as a result of a number of different solutions, including:

• Energy efficiency: The building is 41 percent more efficient than that of a similar size building constructed according to traditional standards;
• Implementation of educational programs for employees, universities and trade associations;
• Volunteering initiatives that demonstrate the company continuously engages with local communities; and
• The decision to build the facility near a rail station.

VF's International headquarters in Stabio joins a host of other VF buildings that are LEED certified. VF's distribution center in Hackleburg, Alabama was certified LEED Gold in 2014. The company's Outdoor & Action Sports coalition headquarters in Alameda, California, was awarded LEED Platinum certification in 2013.

To learn more about VF's sustainable practices, please visit VF's Sustainability & Responsibility page.

For optimizing energy performance VF performed an Energy Simulation using EnergyPlus Software and made a comparison between the designed building and a similar building complying the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 -2007.