August 13, 2007
Best Buy Dives Head-First Into Eco-Friendly Building Program
Best Buy Co. Inc., is reportedly going green, with an announcement recently that starting in mid-2008 it will build only eco-friendly stores -- as certified by the U.S. Green Building Council -- through a rigorous certification and standards process called the LEED Program.
The first "big box" retailer of its size to make such a promise, the LEED certification will help to not only improve the standing of Best Buy with environmental activists, but also help the retailer drastically reduce energy costs. The USGBC contends that if all Best Buy stores received the LEED certification, the company could reduce overall energy use by one-third.
Best Buy is one of several national retailers participating with the USGBC in a pilot program to make bulk LEED certification possible for stores across the U.S. Starbucks, Target and Lowe's are among the other participating companies.
According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Best Buy is working to have the prototype for its more eco-friendly stores certified by February 2008. The plans include a combination of more energy efficient lighting and electronics, widespread use of sustainable and eco-friendly building materials, as well as other innovative uses for renewable energy.