Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) announced its Progressive Processing LLC production facility in Dubuque IA was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold. Progressive Processing is one of the first manufacturing plants to be a LEED-certified project at any level.
Progressive Processing will use at least 25% less energy and water than a plant built to meet current building codes and industry standards. The facility was also constructed using materials with more than 36% recycled content. Elements of the sustainable design and construction include:
•A sustainable site, including non-irrigated landscaping, that was developed with native, low-maintenance vegetation.
•Lighting controls that monitor the amount of light needed based on daylight, occupancy, and time schedule. Similar monitoring is used for temperature control, using sensors to identify room occupancy and determine the heating or cooling need.
•Non-refrigerated areas of the plant use skylights and multilevel lighting to provide natural light and reduce energy consumption.
•Sophisticated heat and water recovery processes. For example, as part of the boiler system, heat from blowdown water is recovered and the water is captured and reused for flushing toilets.
“Progressive Processing’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer, and founding chair at US Green Building Council.
Progressive Processing officially opened Jan 25, 2010. The facility currently produces Hormel Compleats microwave meals plus Hormel and Valley Fresh chunk chicken. It spans 348,000 square feet and will cost $89 million when complete.
For more information about Hormel Foods and its commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability, visit www.hormelfoods.com/csr.
