March 10, 2008 - When it is completed in July, Nissan's new North American headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., will be about 35% more energy efficient than a standard office complex, Associated Press reports. The company is the latest in a string of carmakers, including Honda and Toyota, to green up their corporate offices in a bid to reflect a more environmentally conscious image.

Energy-saving features at the new Nissan Americas building include specially coated window glass that regulates energy flow into and out of the building and computer-controlled sunshades that help deflect glare. Inside, lights dim or brighten automatically depending on the level of natural light.

In addition, each workstation can control its own heating and cooling functions. ("You heat the people and not the space," explains Nissan director of corporate services Rob Traynham.) Locating cooling systems below floor level takes advantage of hot air's natural tendency to rise.

The $100 million complex is situated on 50 acres of restored wetlands.