by Jbs112809d3 — December 2, 2009—Mars Chocolate North America recently unveiled two major projects: New Jersey’s largest solar garden installed by a food manufacturer, and the renovated, cutting-edge Mars Chocolate North America headquarters, which encompasses offices and a manufacturing plant.
The solar garden is comprised of more than 28,000 ground-mounted solar panels on 18 acres adjacent to Mars Chocolate North America’s headquarters, where more than 1,200 associates work and M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies are manufactured.
The solar garden provides approximately 20 percent of the plant’s peak energy consumption, which will reportedly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 190 vehicles from the road each year. The solar garden will operate under a long-term partnership between Mars Chocolate and PSEG Solar Source.
The significant renovations to the Mars Chocolate headquarters are comprised of a colorful, open design that encourages flexible, more efficient ways of working, including a variety of unassigned work spaces and conference rooms, each featuring unique seating arrangements.
Eco-friendly enhancements include the installation of water-conserving fixtures that reduce water usage by more than 30 percent; a reduction in energy use by 15 percent through the use of a newly upgraded Building Energy Management System, variable frequency drives, and energy-efficient lighting and controls; an upgraded roof utilizing a highly reflective roofing material that offsets the direct heat gain to the building; and the utilization of more than 20 percent recycled content in materials, from carpet to ceiling tiles.
The company plans to apply for LEED Gold Certification. For more information, see the Web site.
