LA HABRA, Calif. — An Albertsons store here is the first by a major grocery retailer to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for a remodel, according to the company, which is a division of Minneapolis-based Supervalu.
“It was important to us [to seek LEED certification] because like our parent company, Albertsons is committed to investing in environmental sustainability and minimizing its carbon footprint,” said Lilia Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for Albertsons. “As the store was being remodeled, we saw it as a perfect opportunity to join the ‘green building movement’ by designing and installing equipment and fixtures that would one, reduce the cost of maintenance, and two, conserve energy throughout the store.”
The store earned LEED silver status, which is one level above the basic level of LEED certification. The U.S. Green Buildings Council uses a list of criteria that awards points for various energy-saving and sustainability measures.
During the fourth-month renovation, more than 91% of the remodel's construction waste was separated and recycled, or donated to minimize the amount that went to landfills.
The energy-saving measures in the 55,221-square-foot store include:
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Water-saving faucets, fixtures and sensors in the restrooms, designed to reduce mature use by 45%.
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Carbon-dioxide sensors and high-grade air filters to maintain indoor air quality.
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More than 40 skylights, and auto-dimming sensors on the electrical lighting system.
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Night curtains on the cold cases.
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Using recaptured heat from the refrigeration system to heat the store's water.
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New LED lighting on all cooler doors.
In addition, the store's exterior features preferred parking spaces for carpoolers.
During construction, the store also earned LEED points for its use of recycled materials, Rodriguez explained.
A traditional Albertsons store remodel includes basic energy-efficient renovations, she said, but at this particular store, a variety of additional enhancements were included.
Two other Albertsons stores in Southern California are also seeking LEED certification, Rodriguez said.
At the La Habra store, informational signs describe some of the store's features to customers. In addition, employees also have been educated on the store's distinction.
“From the store director to the courtesy clerks, all of La Habra Albertsons associates are aware of how unique and Earth-friendly their store is,” said Rodriguez. “They are quite proud to share this distinction with our customers.”
Customers can also follow a self-guided map to each of the departments that highlights water conservation, where the night curtains are being utilized, where natural light is utilized, recycling, LED lighting, indoor air/quality/thermal comfort and refrigerant leak detection.
