TOWN OF AMSTERDAM, N.Y. - The Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation announced that its new Amsterdam facility, which serves as the company's headquarters and production plant, has been awarded LEED® Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. This year, Beech-Nut celebrates the 80th anniversary of producing the world's first vacuum-sealed baby food jar in its home of upstate New York. Beech-Nut's founding principle in 1931 was simple: through its All Natural Ingredients Philosophy, help nourish America's children to provide them with an opportunity for a better future. "As the world's first LEED-certified baby food production facility, it is fitting that Beech-Nut now embarks on a new generational commitment based upon that same principle: investing in a better future for America's children," said Jim Schneider, President and CEO, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation. "As a family-owned company, Beech-Nut's priorities and investments reflect our values. By using less energy and water, Beech-Nut is able to save resources for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the community, for future generations." Beech-Nut's $124 million Amsterdam, NY facility, which opened in June 2010, was designed to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use. Facility features and highlights include:

• Annual energy savings equal to the energy demands of more than 2,000 people.
• Water conservation equal to what a city of 10,000 people would consume.
• Reduction in waste water discharge equal to the discharge of 10,000 people.
• Open floor plan that allows natural light to flow through the building.
• Maintenance-free landscaping that thrives in the local environment.

  "Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The Beech-Nut project efficiently uses natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come."

Melvin Wylie