Merced County Cheese Company Receives LEED Platinum

HILMAR, Calif. — In April, the Hilmar Cheese Company celebrated the LEED Platinum certification of the company’s headquarters and Innovation Center.
Company leaders believe the building is the first dairy industry LEED Platinum-certified building in the U.S.

“LEED demonstrates our continuing commitment to stewardship and sustainability. Our owners and employees live here and we strive to do what is right — for our employees, the dairy farmers that supply us milk, the community and our natural resources,” said Richard Clauss, chairman of the Hilmar Cheese Company board of directors, at the LEED dedication ceremony.

Sustainable features at the new headquarters and innovation center include a closed-loop water cooling process that uses a food processing water reclamation pond to save energy; landscaping irrigated by water reclaimed from food processing; water conservation resulting in water usage level 50 percent below code; solar energy that provides 25 percent of energy demand; a design that maximizes daylight; light fixtures that self-adjust based on daylight and occupant sensors for efficiency; electric vehicle charging station, fuel-efficient and vanpool parking; and bicycle security racks.

“We appreciate Hilmar Cheese Company’s commitment to California and applaud the company for showing the way with environmentally-friendly construction,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “This facility is well equipped to compete in a 21st century that presents the ultimate challenge of feeding a fast growing world population while minimizing our environmental footprint.”

By using less energy and water, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community, according to Hilmar Cheese Company officials.

“This award is a testament to the innovative benchmarks being achieved by our businesses right here in Merced County,” said Merced County Supervisor Deidre Kelse. “Hilmar Cheese Company’s efforts to conserve water, save energy and reduce resource use are also focal points of the Board of Supervisors, and I appreciate them taking the initiative to make Merced County a better place to live, work and do business.”