Walgreens to build US’ first zero energy store
by Tim Willmott : Comments Off on Walgreens to build US’ first zero energy store
Re-Posted from 2degrees | written by Stephen Kennett
US retail giant Walgreens has announced plans to build what it claims will be the nation’s first net zero energy store. Walgreens is targeting LEED Platinum certification for the store in Evanston, Illinois.
The drugstore will be built in Evanston, Illinois and will incorporate a range of energy efficiency measures to reduce the store’s energy demand together with a host of renewable technologies. These include more than 800 roof mounted solar panels, two wind turbines, geothermal technology, LED lighting and high-efficiency refrigeration units.
It’s estimated that the store will use 200,000 kilowatt hours per year of electricity while generating 256,000 kilowatt hours per year. The store will be monitored for 12 months after completion to determine if it reaches its net zero energy use goal.
Thomas Connolly, Walgreens vice president of facilities development said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and leading the retail industry in use of green technology. We are investing in developing a net-zero store so we can learn the best way to bring these features to our other stores. Because we operate 8,000 stores, we believe our pursuit of green technology can have a significant positive impact on the nation’s environment.”
Walgreens is targeting LEED Platinum certification for the store, the top ranking under the US Green Building Council‘s environmental assessment program.
To follow the new store’s two-year journey to achieve net zero status and the company’s other green initiatives, visit the Net Zero Facebook page.
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Article by Tim Willmott
Tim is the creator of sustainapedia.com and heads digital publisher Treading Lightly. His interests include nature and wild places, cooking, film, sport and music. He is a poet, writer and commentator.
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