Zamazaki Mazak Optonics, built its Phoenix Laboratory 17 meters (36 feet) below the surface in a drive to reduce energy costs of the factory. The factory maintains temperatures within a range of four degrees Celsius year-round utilizing a geothermal air conditioning system. The only energy used in air conditioning is to operate fans for fresh air intakes. Electricity usage was reduced 95% compared to an above ground factory and the company's annual electricity costs dropped from about $245,000 to just over $7,000. Added benefits of the underground factory were noise reduction and a highly dust proof environment important to precision machinery manufacturing. Read more at Japan for Sustainability
Source: David Schaller of Sustainable Practices
