The number of retail projects certified or registered through LEED continues to grow rapidly, with a new USGBC showing that investment in green retail buildings jumped by $1 billion between 2012 and 2013. The current total includes over 7,900 retail projects either registered for or certified by LEED, representing over 515 million gross square feet across the globe.
Noting that 20% of U.S. buildings are retail establishments, LEED in Motion: Retail shows the number of retail owners that manage sustainable properties doubled from 18% to 38% and is projected to rise to 52% within the next two years.
The report makes special mention of recycling and waste management as factors that retail owners value more than other sectors, with 77% requiring their contractors to have environmentally-friendly waste management practices. The report also found that almost two-thirds of retail owners expect to have sustainable operations and maintenance systems in place by 2015.
Looking for ways to make your retail facility more environmentally friendly? Consider using WasteWise, a free waste management tool from the EPA.
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