Mars Chocolate Unveils New Solar Garden, Renovated Headquarters
Published:10-November-2009
By Staff Reporter
To help retain existing staff, attract new talent and improve productivity
Mars Chocolate North America,a producer of snack food has unveiled two projects that include a solar garden and its renovated headquarters. The renovations to the headquarters were designed to help retain existing staff, attract new talent and improve productivity.
The company said that 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.
The solar garden provides approximately 20% of the plant's peak energy consumption, which will reportedly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons. The company said that a long-term partnership between Mars Chocolate North America and PSEG Solar Source will ensure the solar garden's success.
The renovated company headquarters include a variety of unassigned work spaces and conference rooms, each featuring seating arrangements from booths with bench seats to cafe seating and upholstered chairs paired with small coffee tables, reported the company.
The company added that it will apply for Leed Gold Certification. A few of the enhancements to the renovated headquarters include the installation of water-conserving fixtures to reduce water usage by more than 30%; a reduction in energy use by 15% through the use of a newly upgraded Building Energy Management System; and the utilization of more than 20% recycled content in materials, from carpet to ceiling tiles.
Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate North America, said: "Mars Chocolate North America has the opportunity to make a difference in the world we serve. Our headquarters in Hackettstown has demonstrated our commitment with projects like the solar garden and the renovations that greatly improve the way we operate and the environment in which our associates work."
