News & Events

Mebane, NC (December 20, 2010) — BD, a leading global medical technology company, announced today that its new BD Diagnostics - Women’s Health and Cancer facility Mebane, North Carolina, has received Silver certification under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification system. LEED® certification is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. It demonstrates that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to work.

“BD is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen here in Alamance County as well in our global community,” said Wayne Brinster, Vice President and General Manager, BD Diagnostics - Women’s Health and Cancer. “This LEED Silver certification represents BD’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our overall building imprint and to becoming the most environmentally responsible company in the medical technology industry.”

The 101,000-square-foot building opened in May 2010 after being reengineered and refurbished. Overall, the building is projected per year to use 25% less energy and 83,000 gallons less water, than a comparable building in Alamance County. More than 95% — 352 tons — of the construction materials used during the $14 million project was recycled and diverted from landfills. Nearly 30% of the materials used in construction and furnishings was previously recycled, and 40% was manufactured regionally.

BD’s Mebane facility achieved points towards LEED Silver Certification for pollution control and diversion during construction, energy efficiency (mechanical and lighting), occupant comfort, ergonomics, green housekeeping, water use reduction (with landscaping and automatic restrooms), storage and collection of recyclables, indoor air quality and low-emitting materials (paints, coatings and carpet systems). No chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants are used in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Other highlights of the tobacco-free BD Diagnostics facility include office furniture made from office furniture recycled content wood, recycled plastics and recycled scrap metal. Countertops in the front lobby and employee break room are constructed of shredded aluminum cans, while plates and utensils used on-site are made from sustainable materials such as corn starch, sugar cane and plant starch. All carpeting is made of fiber from recycled plastic bottles, with laboratory flooring made from recycled vinyl with cork, which provides increased traction when wet. Cleaning supplies used in the facility are USGBC-approved green products.

BD strongly believes in balancing the “triple bottom line”: achieving strong economic performance, promoting environmental stewardship and advancing social responsibility. The Mebane facility is among four LEED-certified BD locations, with 11 additional BD sites worldwide currently pending certification. To learn more about BD’s commitment to environmental stewardship and to access BD’s 2009 Sustainability Report, please visit www.bd.com/sustainability.

About BD
BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.