Governor praises General Mills' environmental efforts
January 05, 2012
|
General Mills Corporate Communications |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Marking an important environmental achievement, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez visited the General Mills production facility in Albuquerque, N.M., on Jan. 4.
 |
| New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez asks a question of General Mills' Albuquerque plant manager Keith Bone during a tour of the facility Jan. 4. |
The governor commended General Mills executives and employees at the plant for its U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. That's a designation awarded to fewer than 10 food production facilities worldwide.
“As we’ve seen today, it is possible and necessary to strike a balance between developing our economy and caring for our environment,” Martinez told an audience of about 100.
“As a partner in General Mills’ recent expansion, we applaud them for protecting and conserving the natural resources of our great state, while serving as an economic engine," she said.
The governor’s tour included a review of the plant’s environmental sustainability programs, which meant learning more about the facility’s aggressive recycling program.
Landfill relief
The plant, which manufactures Nature Valley granola bars and other products, has eliminated nearly 250 trips to the landfill each year. This was done by recycling everything from packaging materials to plastic to overage waste from production lines.
“General Mills has taken a responsible approach to preserving New Mexico’s natural beauty through sustainability initiatives," Martinez said. “When economic growth and environmental sustainability come together, it strengthens the health and vitality of New Mexico for all those who live and work here.”
The Albuquerque plant expansion is General Mills’ first production facility – and the fourth building – to achieve LEED certification.
Other buildings include a distribution center in Social Circle, Ga.; the Bassett Creek office building in Minneapolis; and the Cereal Partners Worldwide Innovation Center for the company’s global cereal partnership with Nestlé.
