The Urban Green Council, New York’s chapter of
the
USGBC, honored
Davis & Warshow, one of the region’s largest
suppliers of kitchen and bath fixtures and plumbing materials, at the
organization’s annual Urban Green Gala.
Russell
Unger, president of the Council, credited D&W’s
president and COO
David
Finkel for
leading his company’s sustainability initiative in “going green,” which
includes the installation of a solar array at its Maspeth, Queens, headquarters
that qualifies as one of the largest private-sector installations in New York
City.
Davis & Warshow
announced its “Practically Green” sustainability manifesto in 2008, and began
focusing on daily activities and operations. Those included improving its
recycling program and making sure it used recycled materials only for printing
needs; developing a carpool program; obtaining LEED accreditation for two of
its associates; and working with manufacturers to get educated about the latest
and best low flow fixtures and heating equipment.
Finkel made a point of the
financial prudence of sustainability. He explained that, for instance, between
New York State Tax incentives and abatements accorded for energy-savings
improvement represented by the solar installation, the array will pay for
itself in four years. “Even better,” he said, “it will produce 269,000 KwH
annually, no small return on our initial investment.”
The 87-year-old wholesaler
currently employees 300 people with eight sales showrooms and four distribution
centers.
Source: Davis & Warshow
