Multi-format retailer Giant Eagle, Inc. today announced the receipt of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for its GetGo convenience store and fuel station located at 140 Towne Center Drive in Wexford, Pa.
“Adding a LEED-certified convenience store and fuel station to our wealth of sustainable business practices underscores Giant Eagle’s commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Giant Eagle Senior Vice President of Real Estate Shelly Sponholz. “It is a continuation of our work thus far, and a step toward future initiatives.”
This is the company’s first LEED-certified fuel and convenience store location, the first of its kind in the entire western Pennsylvania region and one of the first nationally. In December 2004, Giant Eagle opened the first LEED-certified supermarket in the world in Brunswick, Ohio near Cleveland. Since then, Giant Eagle has also been awarded LEED certification for its Shadyside Market District and New Albany (Columbus) Giant Eagle. The 1,942 square-foot Pine Township GetGo opened in February 2009.
“GetGo has been incorporating green practices into our operations for a number of years, highlighted by our alternative fuel offerings at many locations and the water reclamation system in place at our WetGo car wash locations,” added Giant Eagle Vice President of Fuel and Convenience Stores Dan Pastor. “There are some 150,000 convenience stores across the nation. To have our Township of Pine location recognized as one of a handful of LEED-certified stores in the country is an exceptional honor.”
LEED is a national green building rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). To earn certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks (“credits”) within each category. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve.
“GetGo’s LEED certification of its Township of Pine location is another example of how convenience retailers continue to redefine what it means to be a cornerstone of the community, whether in their charitable giving, delivering the products and services that consumers need, or taking the lead in creating a sustainable future,” said Hank Armour, president & CEO of NACS.
Since 1992, Giant Eagle, Inc. has worked to help the organization and its multiple banners save energy, recycle packaging, and support long-term environmental initiatives. Many of the processes and specifications of Giant Eagle’s LEED stores have already been incorporated in supermarkets and convenience stores, including high-efficiency lighting, the purchase of wind energy, as well as the use of white roofing, variable speed fans, and occupancy sensors.
SOURCE: Giant Eagle