The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Retail rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was developed with the support of nearly 100 pilot participants, including RILA members Delhaize America, Best Buy, Target, Staples and REI. The program will enable retailers to better integrate sustainability into their real estate footprint.

"Retail industry leaders recognize the powerful financial and environmental impact to be had through their sustainability activities," said Adam Siegel, vice president of sustainability and retail operations for RILA. "The increasing emphasis on building LEED is emblematic of the industry's expanding and ever-evolving sustainability efforts."

"Our new retail rating system builds on the long established LEED for New Construction and LEED for Commercial Interiors rating systems, with adjustments and modifications made to accommodate the distinct needs of retail space. Key considerations include occupancy, waste streams, energy consumption and water use," said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED.

Retailers are among the most proficient industries in building to LEED standards. In fact, more than 650 retail projects have already achieved LEED certification. More than 4,000 additional retail projects have been registered and are working towards LEED certification.

The LEED for Retail rating system was voted on and approved by 92% of the USGBC membership in March 2010. USGBC recently created LEED for Retail Reference Guides and a LEED Online documentation tool. Website www.usgbc.org/leed/retail (http://www.usgbc.org/leed/retail)

Source: RILA