Bridgestone/Firestone Plant Wins LEED Certification

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire's Warren County plant is reportedly the first tire plant in the world to be awarded LEED certification.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) gave its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification to the Warren facility in recognition of its environmental conservation efforts.

LEED was developed by the USGBC to encourage the development of more sustainable buildings. LEED is used by the EPA to promote energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction and pollution prevention practices, indoor air quality standards and other environmental initiatives for new construction and existing buildings.

The tire company's plant uses hydrogen fuel cells in automated-guided vehicles. Energy-efficient lighting, high-tech fans and resource-conserving fixtures in restrooms are also part of the Warren County facility's conservation efforts. The facility has reduced energy consumption and water consumption in the plant by more than 8 million gallons a year, according to the tiremaker.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition by the U.S. Green Building Council,” says Warren County plant manager Ron Brooks. “Environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to community are major initiatives of our facility and of our company.”

Bridgestone/Firestone says the Warren County truck and bus tire plant is the second existing manufacturing site in the U.S. to earn LEED certification.