The First Zero Energy Store is... a Walgreens?

Believe it or not, yes. Walgreens announced that it now has plans to build what will hopefully be the nation’s first net zero energy retail outlet. The building will use solar panels, wind turbines, LED lighting and energy efficient materials for building. And the store will be located in Evanston, Illinois.

Walgreens is committing to reducing their carbon footprint and leading the retail industry in using green technology. Walgreens currently operates 8,000 stores across the nation and believes that their pursuit of green technology will have a positive impact on the environment.

“This planned building development reflects the City of Evanston’s ongoing commitment to the constant improvement of sustainable practices in the natural and built environment and will serve as an excellent example of how responsible development and the environment can be harmoniously combined,” said Evanston Mayor, Elizabeth Tisdahl. “Green building is important to Evanston as it is good for business, good for the environment, good for our health and essential to our future. We are honored that Walgreens has chosen our community to build the nation’s first net zero energy retail store that will be LEED certified as well.”

Walgreens hopes to achieve LEED Platinum status, a green designation by the U. S. Green Building Council and also one of the most stringent. Walgreens has committed themselves to a chain wide 20 percent energy reduction by 2020.

Assuming that this all works out as planned, hopefully other chain stores will follow in Walgreen's footsteps and lead to an overall greater decrease in energy consumption across the nation.

For more information visit the Net Zero Facebook page.
Source: InHabitat

James
Garden Media Group