A new Hy-Vee store in Madison, Wis., was awarded LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first store in the chain, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, to receive recognition under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.
“By designing and building stores that meet the highest standards for sustainability, we are fulfilling our company’s mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier,” said Mike Smith, director of real estate and sustainability for Hy-Vee.
LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a project meets international standards for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. The system recognizes performance in five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Credits are earned for achievement in each of these categories, with additional credits awarded for innovation in design. One of four levels of LEED certification–bronze, silver, gold or platinum–may be awarded.