Giant Eagle Supermarket Is a True 'Green Grocer'

Dec 20, 2004 -- M2 PRESSWIRE

Supermarket retailer Giant Eagle is the first grocer to open and operate a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified supermarket in the U.S.

LEED is a national green-building rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The new 80,000-square-foot supermarket opened this summer. Its environmentally-friendly features include:

-- the consumption of 30 percent less energy than comparable supermarkets, with more than 50 percent of the location's electrical energy supplied through wind generation;

-- air quality sensors to monitor for carbon dioxide and other gases to ensure fresh, clean air throughout the entire store;

-- the absence of ozone-depleting refrigerants in the refrigeration and cooling systems.

"This historic accomplishment is a vital piece to the overall environmental health of our country," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO and founding chair. "Giant Eagle's determination to become the first LEED- certified supermarket is unmatched and sets an important example for others in the supermarket industry to follow."

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