Element GreenD1 has a long and proud history in pursuit of green goals. It's about making a sale, yes. But it's also about growing a sustainable company while protecting and sustaining natural resources. It's about promoting greater environmental responsibility and developing eco-friendly products and manufacturing processes.
Environmental stewardship has become a critical part of D1's corporate philosophy and reputation. At D1, "green washing" has no business in the board room, in the news release or on the production floor.
Corporate Green
D1's co-founder and CEO, Bob Hallam, said, "D1's green initiatives began in 1999 when we built our 135,000 square foot facility in Vista, California. We worked closely with the electric company to design our building to be extremely energy efficient., In addition, our employees bring new eco-friendly ideas to the table on an ongoing basis. Being green is an attitude here, and we'll never stop reaching for it."
It should be noted that California has the most stringent environmental regulations in North America, and D1 has been manufacturing in the state for more than 30 years. To remain in California, the Californian Energy Commission (CEC) challenged every manufacturer to meet stringent energy-efficiency goals. While some companies chose to leave the state, D1 not only met the CEC challenge but was asked to help write statewide energy regulation policy for the hot tub industry.
Building Green
D1 operates under a robust Lean manufacturing environment where the elimination of waste is an essential core value, practice and result.
VOC Gas Elimination: In 2001 D1 switched to 100% low-VOC glue, and in 2003, all spa plumbing was converted from glued joints to barb and clamp, further reducing VOCs (Volatile organic compounds). D1 also drastically reduced VOC emissions by switching from fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP) products to urethanes, which emit no VOCs.
Sustained Forest Lumber Exclusively: All D1 framed wood construction uses lumber from Sierra Nevada-grown sustained forests, thus protecting our nation's venerable old-growth forests.
Forest Stewardship Council Support: D1 uses FSC paper in most of its print-based materials. Paper products with a "mixed sources" label support the development of responsible forest management worldwide. Such paper is from FSC-certified and well-managed forests and/or post-consumer reclaimed material.
RoHS Directive Support: RoHS is the European Union's stringent regulation that restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronics. The directive, more commonly known as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, bans the placement of electronics on the EU market that contain specified levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and other substances. D1 sells widely in Europe so the electronics used in our products are RoHS compliant.
Product Green
Recycled Materials: D1 uses a substantial variety of recycled materials in its products and processes. Foam overspray, for example, is either trimmed and placed back into the product or used to make special "saddles" for pallet shipments. Thermoformed sheet scrap is either recycled into new equipment boxes or sent to a recycler.
D1 first offered Envirotect™ Architectural Trim cabinets in 2001. These skirts are made mostly from post-consumer recycled milk cartons called HDPE (for high-density polyethylene.) It's environmentally stable, does not give off harmful fumes and is recommended by the Healthy Building Network, a national organization of green building professionals and environmental health activists. Envirotect is the most environmentally friendly skirting material available today.
Energy Efficiency: D1's products are engineered to be the best insulated, most energy efficient spas in the industry. In 1981 D1 Spas was the first company to manufacture a fully insulated spa. D1 hot tubs are fully insulated with urethane foam, which is used in commercial freezers, and come complete with insulated foam covers precision-fitted with linear heat-seal seams to prevent heat loss. A recent Arthur D. Little study found that portable hot tubs account for less than 1 percent of the energy consumed in residential homes. In addition, D1 hot tubs and swim spas use up to 85% less energy than traditional in-ground pools!
Fast Flo Heater: D1 uses the most durable and reliable spa heater on the market. The output on this stainless steal heater provides optimal heat recovery and consumes an extremely low amount of energy.
HydraMax Pumps: D1 uses powerful massage jet pumps, expertly engineered and plumbed for 100% efficiency, which means a smaller, more efficient and nearly silent pump.
Eco-Friendly Water Management: D1's patented 10-step water management system, called UltraPure and UltraPure PLUS, is the Rolls Royce of hot tub water sanitation, purification and peace of mind!
Retail Green
Dimension One's extensive green features are deemed the real deal by Michael Galica, independent D1 dealer and owner of the Marin Outdoor Living company in Northern California.
Environmental advocate Galica fills his sleek and eco-friendly San Francisco Bay-area showroom with cutting-edge products, including 100% clean-burning fireplaces, UV fighting sunshades and wood furniture approved by the Forest Council. Plus he carries just one line of spa products - products from D1!
"Marin's average consumer is extremely educated and environmentally aware. This county has the most Prius cars per-capita of any in the United States," explains Galica. "My customers choose products that leave a small footprint. I haven't seen any other pool or spa company that comes close to Dimension One's environmental efficiency and stability. They are by far the best-in-class in the green luxury spa market, so I specifically chose them as the only line to carry in my store."