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