Walgreens store expected to be first LEED drugstore

Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the nation, is going green in Southern California. The retail chain celebrated the grand opening on Wednesday of a new store in Mira Mesa outside of San Diego, that is expected to be the first drugstore in the US to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, a certification given by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The store features several green adaptations:

Skylights and solar tubes allow the sun to naturally light 75 percent of the building.

LED lights in the coolers and freezers reduce energy use. Exterior signs also were installed with LED lights, instead of fluorescent, which consumes more wattage.

Outside, the new location offers bike racks and reserved hybrid parking spots for its eco-minded patrons.

Landscaping uses native and adaptive plant species to reduce water usage.

“We want people to feel good about shopping here and maybe even be inspired to live greener lives,” said Matt Sesto, Walgreen Market Vice President.

Walgreens is making many environmental advances at their current locations as well, installing solar panals and high efficiency lights to reduce energy usage and recycling cardboard and shrink wrap to help reduce the amount waste in landfills. The stores also are lowering emissions by using environmentally friendly company cars.

The Mira Mesa location has been registered with the USGBC under the LEED Green Building Rating System. After review, a specific level of certification will be given in approximately six months.

The next thing on Walgreens to-do list is the opening of its second LEED store in Chicago this fall.

Please Share and Enjoy: