It’s not just the produce that is green in Giant Eagle Inc.’s remodeled store in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. The whole building is now certified “green” for its energy efficiency, high air quality, water conservation, and even a living “green” roof.

The 67,000-square-foot store earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Silver Certified Commercial Interior designation, indicating it met a broad array of environmental performance benchmarks. LEED is a national green building rating system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

With more than 60 LEED-certified buildings, Pennsylvania is among the national leaders, second only to California, in energy efficient construction.

The LEED designation builds on Giant Eagle’s commitment to environmental stewardship. In February it was recognized with a 2007 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. In 2004, it opened the world’s first LEED-certified supermarket in Ohio.

Giant Eagle’s LEED-certified Shadyside store is designed to consume 20 percent less energy than comparable, conventionally designed supermarkets, using increased insulation, a green roof and integrated natural lighting. All of the store’s electricity is produced by green energy sources, such as wind power.

Other green features include advanced water conservation and air quality sensors to ensure fresh, clean air throughout the store. Air quality is improved by the use of no-ozone-depleting refrigerants in its refrigeration and cooling systems, in addition to adhesives, sealants, paints, carpeting and wood products that are low in volatile organic compounds.

NewsClip: Giant Eagle's Shadyside Store Gets Green Designation

4/20/2007