Originally published April 13, 2017 | Last updated: May 4, 2026
RenewAire Set the Standard for Sustainable Manufacturing
In 2017, RenewAire successfully transitioned into a new, 111,000-square-foot facility in Waunakee, Wisconsin. More than double the size of the previous building, this expansion was a direct response to the surging market demand for high-efficiency energy recovery ventilators.
Elevated Sustainability and IAQ
The headquarters was designed as a testament to RenewAire’s commitment to a healthier planet. While the previous facility was LEED Silver, the company sought and achieved LEED Gold certification for this location. The facility also earned Green Globes and ENERGY STAR certifications—making it one of the few global manufacturing sites to hold all three.
Key sustainability achievements of the facility include:
100% Wind-Generated Electricity: The building was powered entirely by renewable wind energy from the start.
Extreme Energy Efficiency: Total building loads were significantly reduced through a tight building envelope, an extremely insulated roof, and LED lighting.
Water & Waste Reduction: The renovation project reduced water use by 40% and recycled 95% of all construction waste.
Superior Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): By utilizing RenewAire ERVs to exceed minimum ventilation standards—and bringing 100% outdoor air into specific spaces—the facility ensured a superior-grade ventilation for the team.
Innovation Through Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM)
The expansion allowed for the significant scaling of RenewAire’s Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) infrastructure. This strategic move ensured that even as product lines became more complex, the company maintained industry-standard short lead times and high customer responsiveness.
“The new facility supports our mission of fostering sustainability, helping the planet by reducing energy use and at the same time improving human health and wellbeing,” said Chuck Gates, RenewAire Co-Founder.
A Live Demonstration of Energy Savings
RenewAire’s headquarters continues to serve as a live demonstration of how energy recovery ventilation can help with green manufacturing goals. The facility continues to demonstrate how energy savings can be achieved even when tripling outdoor-air ventilation rates.
For historical details on the expansion, view the original press release here: PressRelease_NewFacility.pdf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): RenewAire’s Sustainable Headquarters
How large is the RenewAire manufacturing facility?
RenewAire’s headquarters is in Waunakee, Wisconsin. This manufacturing facility is 111,000 square feet. This location more than doubled the size of the company’s previous building. The facility was chosen to accommodate the growing demand for energy recovery ventilators.
What sustainability certifications does the RenewAire facility hold?
RenewAire’s headquarters is LEED Gold certified. Additionally, it is one of the few manufacturing facilities globally to achieve both Green Globes and ENERGY STAR certifications.
How does the RenewAire facility achieve energy efficiency?
The facility utilizes several high-efficiency strategies, including:
100% Wind Power: The building is powered entirely by wind-generated electricity.
Building Envelope: A tight building envelope and extremely insulated roof minimize total building loads.
Lighting: The space uses a combination of high-efficiency LED bulbs and natural daylighting via skylights and solar tubes.
ERV Technology: RenewAire energy recovery ventilators are at the core of the HVAC system to optimize air exchange.
What is the role of energy recovery in green manufacturing?
Green manufacturing focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of production while maintaining operational excellence. At RenewAire, we utilize our own energy recovery technology to significantly lower building loads and energy consumption, proving that high-performance manufacturing can be both sustainable and cost-effective. For a deeper dive into these strategies, read our Sustainable Ventilation White Paper.
What is Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) at RenewAire?
Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) is the operational infrastructure used at the facility to maintain industry-standard short lead times. By expanding its R&D and manufacturing footprint, RenewAire uses QRM to ensure high customer responsiveness while managing an increasingly complex product line.
What level of indoor air quality (IAQ) does the facility provide?
RenewAire’s headquarters offers a high level of IAQ by using ERVs to increase outdoor-air ventilation rates well above the minimum standards set by code. Some spaces within the facility are even designed to bring in 100% outdoor air.