Office Deport, in a major green initiative, will seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for CI (Commercial Interiors) from the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) for it new retail stores opening from June 2010. LEED CI certification is provided to buildings that are equipped with green interiors that are less costly to maintain and operate and has minimum environmental footprint.
Chuck Rubin, President of North American Retail for Office Depot, said the company is opening stores all over the country and has a good opportunity to make a significant contribution for the environment. Office Depot has decided to seek LEED CI certification for all its new stores and hope this green initiative will benefit all stakeholders including associates, customers, and suppliers.
Rubin said that Office Depot’s newest store in Austin, Texas, which is planned to be opened in June 2010, will be LEED CI certified followed by 13 other store locations. The company is hoping to achieve the same energy and monetary savings achieved by its first LEED Gold certified store in Austin, Texas. This store was opened in April 2008.
Edward Costa, Vice President of Construction for Office Depot, said the company’s savings in energy achieved at its first store in Austin was significantly more than originally expected and Office Depot aims to make all its stores as cost efficient, water efficient and energy efficient as possible. The company will now achieve LEED CI certification for all its store locations whether the company builds it or takes over an existing establishment.