Mars Chocolate North America has secured LEED Gold certification for its new manufacturing plant in Topeka, Kansas.
Spread over an area of around 500,000ft2, the Topeka plant produces M&M'S brand candies and Snickers bars.
The plant has been recognized by the US Green Building Council as it is powered with 100% renewable electricity, along with heat recovery systems and rain water harvesting for sewage transfer in the office area and landscape irrigation.
It also features low-flow water fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, reusing and recycling building materials, use of native grasses without irrigation, and the use of low-emitting local and regional materials.
Mars Chocolate North America Topeka site director Bret Spangler said: "Mars is committed to putting our Principles into Action to drive leadership in sustainability. LEED Gold certification for the Topeka facility is another shining example of our ambitious goal to make our factories and offices 'Sustainable in a Generation."
