Multisport retailer TriSports.com is dedicated to reducing the company’s impact on the environment and, to that end, has put into place specialized equipment and processes. When first approaching the TriSports headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, one can’t help but notice the 128 kW solar array and the two enormous water harvesting tanks that flank it.
In 2014, 71,820 gallons of water were harvested for use in landscaping and other gray water needs – a 26% increase over 2013. The solar panels produced 238,197 kWh of energy, supplying almost 92% of the company’s energy needs. This was 15,000 kWh over the estimated production.
By being mostly off the grid, TriSports also kept 8.74 tons of methane and 163 tons of CO2 out of the air, and saved 18,657 gallons of gasoline and 120,679 gallons of water. Latest figures are always available by clicking the ‘Solar Powered’ link at the bottom of every page on the TriSports.com website.
Along with these very visible examples of sustainability, TriSports also has a commuter program in place that pays employees to ride or run to work. 2014 had staff logging 21,833 miles on this program.
Customers also play a big part in sustainability efforts when they place orders and the warehouse is able to pack in a ‘Green Box’. The receiving department passes all usable boxes and packing material to the shipping department for reuse, resulting in more than 2000 boxes and packing material for over 8000 packages being sent back out in 2014.
The solar array, since installed in December 2011, has generated 736 MWh of power, kept 26.7 tons of methane and 560 tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere, and saved 56,925 gallons of gasoline and 368,209 gallons of water. The company’s water harvesting has captured 259,320 gallons of water for reuse since 2011, and employees have commuted over 192,000 miles since the program officially began in 2009.
TriSports.com is an industry leader in triathlon, swim, bike and run retail, starting out of the home of Seton and Debbie Claggett in April 2000. Fourteen years and two moves later, TriSports.com occupies 32,000 square feet of retail, warehouse and office space with 30+ employees.
TriSports.com notes that it is more than just a retail presence; the company is also very committed to growing the sport through partnerships with races, clubs, teams and other endeavours, like being a founding member of Triathlon Business International (TBI), and it is actively involved in the local Arizona community.
TriSports.com CEO Seton Claggett was recognized by Inside Triathlon as one of 2013’s 10 Most Influential People in Triathlon. TriSports.com has also been recognized as:
- One of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work (2009 & 2010);
- By Triathlete Magazine as one of Triathlete’s Best Places to Work (2010);
- As one of the top 100 bike shops in the US by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (2010 & 2011);
- As a top 10 triathlon store by Triathlon Business International (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013);
- By Comerica Bank as one of Arizona’s 50 Companies to Watch (October 2008);
- As one of BizAZ’s Top 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35 (June 2008);
- By Wells Fargo with its Copper Cactus Award for Business Growth (October 2005); and
- As Arizona’s Greenest Workplace by Mrs Green’s World (October 2011).
