Smithfield Foods Inc. has announced that its 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 state-of-the-art facility, which began operating in fall 2019, is the first building in the company’s portfolio to receive LEED certification and exemplifies Smithfield’s commitment to implementing sustainable best practices throughout its operations.
The $90 million, 420,000-square-foot facility features more than 47,000 pallet positions and the latest industry technology, including efficient refrigeration systems that reduce energy use by more than 19% and utilize 50% less ammonia compared to similar facilities and chilling systems.