Springfield, Mass. —
This is approximately a year-long process that includes replacing more than 500 plumbing fixtures and implementing more efficient lighting to make the 1.4 million square foot headquarters truly green.
"The LEED-EB certification reinforces a long tradition at MassMutual to reduce our environmental footprint," says Ricky Swaye, corporate VP of corporate services at MassMutual.
Throughout everyday business operations, MassMutual strives to reduce its environmental impact by effectively managing the use of natural resources, says the company. Although the insurer does not produce products that cause direct environmental impacts, the company has policies and procedures in place to run its local operations safely, effectively and efficiently.
As a result of its strong commitment to the environment, MassMutual has undertaken the following initiatives, which support efforts to obtain LEED-EB certification:
- Data center energy conservation — In order to achieve a more "green" data center, substantial efforts have been made to improve data center efficiencies, which have resulted in dramatic reductions in energy consumption while supporting unprecedented growth. This year, the company has already reduced its data center's electrical growth by 55%, compared to 2007, through the use of technologies including server virtualization, optimization of cooling and mechanical systems, on-demand ventilation, fugitive airflow reduction and optimized rack design.
- Green water chillers — The drinking water chiller systems have been upgraded to be more environmentally efficient and save 75,000 gallons of water per year.
- Recyclable products — MassMutual has provided more than 2,250 refillable plastic "green" mugs to employees, saving 17,000 large styrofoam cups per month (204,000 per year) from the local landfill. The company also purchases eco-friendly office furniture that promotes good air quality and is made from recyclable materials.
"We strongly believe that by making our infrastructure eco-friendly, it will not only be healthier for our employees, it will also help to preserve the environment for generations to come," says Swaye. "LEED-EB certification will serve to reinforce our true commitment to the environment."
In an effort to reduce paper consumption, the Retirement Services division implemented an e-prospectus delivery program, which encourages plan participants to receive their prospectus information online instead of on paper.
"MassMutual has made significant progress for the environment with our green programs and policies thus far, and will continue to do so," says Swaye. "It is our hope, through our initiatives and LEED-EB certification efforts that MassMutual will continue to be a green leader."
Source: PRNewswire
