Chobani, LLC, Norwich, N.Y., opened a new Innovation & Community Center in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The 71,000-square-foot facility promotes a culture of collaboration, creativity, innovation and wellness.

“I’m grateful for the bond we share with the people of the Magic Valley,” says Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO. “It is so important that we invest as much time, energy and dedication to the well-being of our people as we do our products. This new Innovation & Community Center makes us more connected to our people, our plant and to our community. That was our vision from the very beginning, and I am so thrilled this center will serve as a bridge to Chobani’s exciting and bold future.”

Designed by CSHQA, Boise, Idaho, the facility also serves as a home to the company’s global research and development center, fueling a future of new yogurt and non-yogurt creations.

The new center boasts innovative features that increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve recycling practices. Chobani also registered the center with the goal of U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver certification.

Chobani installed what is said to be the world’s largest yogurt plant in Twin Falls in 2013, and its presence contributes to 8,000-plus direct jobs.

The Innovation & Community Center building features include:

People

• A 7,000-square-foot, sun-filled gathering space to be used for town halls, shared meals, daily relaxation and special celebrations.

• A state-of-the-art, 2,185-square-foot fitness center that overlooks the Sawtooth Mountains.

• Lactation rooms for new mothers.

• On the ground floor, employees of all denominations will find a faith center to pray, meditate and reflect.

Innovation

• At more than 14,000 square feet, the R&D center encompasses the entire top floor of the building.

• The R&D center features a state-of-the-art “chef kitchen” that will enable Chobani’s researchers to innovate and grow even faster.

Sustainability

• This building was designed to use 30% less water, including a 50% reduction in water usage for landscaping.

• It is also using more than 25% less energy for lighting, heating and cooling than a typical U.S. office building.

• Roughly 55% of the construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills.

• Over 11,000 square feet of “smart glass” automatically tints based on the availability of sunlight.

• An expansive skylight at the center of the building will reduce lighting needs from the all-LED lighting system, while 30,000 square feet of reflective roofing reduces heat absorption.

• Registered with the goal of obtaining U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver certification.