Food Processing Plant Earns LEED Gold

The Hormel Foods Corporation recently announced the certification of its Progressive Processing LLC production facility, according to a recent article. The facility, located in Dubuque, Iowa, joins an elite group of manufacturing plants across the country that have earned the certification.

“We are very proud of the fact that Progressive Processing is LEED Gold certified, which sets a new standard for the food industry,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “When we decided to open Progressive Processing, we saw an opportunity to build a state-of-the-art sustainable facility that aligns with our strong commitment to corporate responsibility.”

The facility will use at least 25 percent less energy and water than a conventionally designed and built plant, according to the article. The facility was also built using materials that had more than 36 percent recycled content. Other green features of the facility include a sustainable site, with non-irrigated landscaping, planted with native, low-maintenance vegetation; lighting controls that monitor the amount of light needed based on daylight, occupancy, and time schedule; skylights in nonrefrigerated areas of the plant, which work together with multilevel lighting to provide light to the building’s interior; and heat and water recovery mechanisms, that recover heat and water from the boiler, which is then reused for flushing the building’s toilets.

Progressive Processing’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer and founding chair at U.S. Green Building Council, in the article.“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems. The Progressive Processing project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

The 348,000 square foot facility opened in late January, 2010, and its cost will total $89 million when complete. It currently produces microwave meals and prepared chicken for Hormel.

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Chris Timmerman
Contributing Writer
Green Education Services
www.greenedu.com