Harris Teeter Awarded Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification
Matthews, NC (PRWEB) June 10, 2014 -- Today, Harris Teeter announced its Plaza Midwood location in Charlotte, N.C. is now officially recognized as a LEED-certified project by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
The Plaza Midwood renovation project began in 2012 when the former building was removed from the site and completely rebuilt. This location re-opened in May 2013. The project marked a major milestone for not only Harris Teeter but also for Charlotte's supermarket industry, as this location housed a piece of Charlotte history – the city’s first full service-supermarket. Company co-founder W.T. Harris’ Plaza Midwood store was the first air-conditioned grocery store and the first to stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights.
The project achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
LEED certification of this project was based on a number of green design and construction features which include:
• Reducing water usage by using dual flush/solar powered toilets, automated/solar powered restroom sink faucets and reduced flow faucets in prep areas
• Installing a LiveRoof Hybrid Green Roof which helps manage stormwater runoff, among other environmental benefits
• Constructing the building with recycled materials and wood sourced from a sustainable forest
• Recycling waste generated during construction
• Installing doors and LED lighting on the refrigerated cases
Harris Teeter continues to introduce more sustainable features into its facilities as a part of routine maintenance and incorporates more energy efficient designs into new development, as well.
For more information about Harris Teeter’s sustainability efforts, please visit harristeeter.com.
Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). Harris Teeter reported 2013 sales of $4.71 billion. The regional grocery chain employs approximately 26,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 167,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 100,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED rating systems, comprising over 8 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.
By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.
For more information, visit http://www.usgbc.org.
Danna Jones, Harris Teeter, +1 704.844.3904, [email protected]
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