The Smithfield Foods 420,000-sq-ft distribution center in North East, Md. has received Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility, the first in the company’s portfolio to receive LEED certification, features refrigeration systems that reduce energy use by more than 19% and utilize 50% less ammonia compared to similar facilities and chilling systems.
Additional green features of the facility include optimized and low-flow water fixtures to reduce unnecessary water use; zero-water landscaping that eliminates the need for sprinklers; LED lighting with occupancy sensors; electric car charging stations; and ongoing green cleaning and pest control practices, among others. In addition, the location of the distribution center allows the company to serve one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as transportation mileage and fuel costs.
