Target Looks To LEED

The number of retailers adopting the LEED green building program is growing steadily. We’ve reported on a few like REI on PSFK recently. Target announced it will build two new prototype stores in Minnesota this year that will meet LEED certification.

Sustainable design features include low-flow fixtures in the restrooms that reduce water usage by 30 percent; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that cut energy usage 30 percent more than required by most cities; and light fixtures that require two low-mercury bulbs instead of the typical four. In addition, 75 percent of construction waste will be recycled or salvaged and more than 55 percent of construction materials will be manufactured using raw materials from within 500 miles of the project site, if possible. The new Target stores will have updated facades, that are designed to be more pedestrian-friendly.

The new prototypes hope to boost food sales by offering more pre-prepared food items and a wider selection of organic items. The retailer hopes to retain customers who go to Target for general merchandise items but shop Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for food.

100 more of these prototypes will be built in 2009 across the US starting in March.

[via Minneapolis Business Journal]