SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Mars Petcare US has retrofitted its pet food manufacturing plant east of Reno with energy efficient lighting to add to its environmental sustainability efforts to reduce its overall carbon footprint.
The upgrades include new fluorescent lights and sensors to automatically turn off lights in unoccupied areas. The manufacturer also replaced incandescent lights in exit signs with low energy use LED lights.
“Here at the Mars Petcare plant near Reno, we’re relentlessly pursuing new ways to reduce our overall impact on the environment,” said Bret Spangler, plant manager, Mars Petcare US – Reno. “This lighting project, with the support of NV Energy, is just the first project of many to help us attain our sustainability goals through recycling, alternative energy and efficiency projects to reduce our overall energy usage.”
The lights and sensors are projected to reduce the facility’s electricity use by up to 545,652 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to the annual energy requirements of 60 homes in northern Nevada. In addition, the lighting retrofit will reduce the plant’s carbon footprint by more than 228 tons. The company is performing the same retrofit across its network of 16 supply sites in the U.S.
Plant energy efficiency upgrades are just one piece of the puzzle in Mars’ commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The company has set a goal to become “Sustainable in a Generation” by creating zero carbon, waste or water impact by 2040 at its manufacturing facilities around the world.
To assist with the lighting upgrades, Mars Petcare US received a $28,017 rebate from NV Energy’s Sure Bet program. The program provides financial incentives to large commercial energy users who invest in energy efficient equipment and lighting.
Since 2003, the Sure Bet program has helped northern Nevada companies reduce their energy use by approximately 220 million kilowatt hours.
About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world’s largest pet care company at the privately-held, family-owned Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world’s most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS® Brand Food for Cats, and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,700 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 16 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.
