Open work space

Clif Bar's new headquarters in Emeryville, Calif., have been built with the concepts of energy-efficient architecture and creative reuse of materials.

The 115,000 square-foot space, which is filled with natural light, opened in October.

To improve acoustics and insulate the building from echoes, 380 sound panels made of recycled blue jeans are attached to the ceilings.

With its climate control system, energy-efficient appliances, and "smart" solar array, the new headquarters will be one of the first in the state to meet the 2008 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.