Clif Bar can be considered the lead producer of energy foods made with organic ingredients. While feeding athletes healthy food is core business for this eco brand, the latest manifestation of the company ethos is their new headquarters, which happens to include North America’s largest array of ‘smart’ solar panels.
The ‘smart’ photovoltaic panels, which feature cutting edge technology aimed at optimizing output and reducing costs by integrating monitors onto each panel, provide nearly 100 percent of the building’s power needs. Furthermore, additional solar thermal panels provide 70 percent of the heat needed for the building’s hot water.
“We recycled an old building into a new space that’s very open and communal as the next step on our journey toward sustainability,” said Kit Crawford, Clif Bar’s co-CEO. “The space reflects who we are while limiting our footprint on the planet.”
The company’s new headquarters is one of the first buildings in the state of California to comply with the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards and Clif are pursuing a LEED Platinum certification – the highest ‘green’ building rating available from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
North America's largest installation of smart solar panels highlights the headquarters' green remodel
The 115,000sq ft facility – built in a converted valve manufacturing plant – also houses a 6,700sq ft childcare center, a weight room with a 40ft bouldering wall, a yoga room, dance studio, shower/locker facilities, access to five on-site fitness trainers, two massage rooms and a theater with elevated stage, customizable lighting, professional sound board and seating for 350.