Canadian fashion retailer Simons opened its first net-zero store this year in Quebec City.
The 80,000 sf store is outfitted with solar panels on the roof and in the parking lot, and incorporates a geothermal heating system. Simons aims to generate considerable marketing benefits from its green efforts.
The private company built a podium in a Londonderry, Ontario store that displays current solar generation, how much electricity was used to date, what the offset is between the two, along other key metrics like how many liters of gasoline have been diverted from the use of the charging stations. The company’s director of store development says she has a mandate to build more net-zero stores, with three more in the pipeline.
Retailers across Canada have been raising sustainability standards for their buildings over the past 10 years. IKEA's Edmonton outlet, for instance, has rooftop and parking lot PVs that generate 50% of the store’s electrical needs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects
Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015
Newly formed group challenges Florida building code
Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015
New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina
The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights
Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast
Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says