Starbucks to build 10,000 “Greener Stores” by 2025

Starbucks recently announced its plan to create the “Starbucks Greener Stores” framework. The framework will be built on comprehensive performance criteria to help the company design, build, and operate stores that set a “new standard for green retail.”

Starbucks will develop an accredited program over the next year that will be used to audit all existing company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada against the framework criteria. This will result in 10,000 “Greener Stores” globally by 2025 and includes existing stores, new builds, and renovations.

The World Wildlife Fund will co-develop the framework with Starbucks and SCS Global Services, a third-party verification organization, will audit and verify it. The new framework will be built on a foundation of the LEED certification program and offer a comprehensive model and broad environmental scope that will be universal in design, but most relevant to the retail industry. Starbucks Greener Stores will focus on:

— Energy efficiency & water stewardship

— Renewable energy

— Healthy environment

— Responsible materials

— Waste Diversion

— Engagement

The Starbucks Greener Stores framework is expected to save the company $50 million in utilities over the next decade.

Walgreens announced plans last week to build one of the nation's first net-zero retail stores. The Evanston, Ill., location will utilize solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technology, LED lighting and ultra-high-efficiency refrigeration to produce energy equal to or greater than the building consumes.

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