Buildings consume half the global electricity and generate one third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Distribution centers (DCs) have an important role in food distribution and sustainability. Omitting food distribution from food life cycle assessments (LCAs) is a data gap that may affect the overall impacts of food. We showed multi-facility state-level environmental impacts of the largest DC network in the United States. Our method included regional resolution of the life cycle inventory (LCI) combined with the regional life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method. Three types of food DCs in different climate zones were assessed using the LCA method. Primary energy use in grocery and perishable DCs was refrigeration (80%) and in general merchandise were conveyor systems (50%). Building material and lighting became relevant for non-refrigerated spaces and in low-energy impact states. The location-specific provenance of electricity energy sources such as coal affected the process and substance impact contributors and magnitude of the environmental impacts, for example, in the energy, climate, water, and land nexus. Water impact depended on energy sources and local water availability. Land use was dominated by activities in the supply chain and not building construction area. Achieving a low environmental impact supply chain is a major goal of producers, distributors and retailers. Energy efficiency through green building standards and distributed energy may improve sustainability of DCs. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.