The public comment period for the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED for Retail rating system is now open. For both New Construction (NC) and Commercial Interiors (CI) projects, LEED for Retail recognizes the unique nature of the retail environment and offers a certification system that addresses the various types of retail spaces available, from grocery stores to big-box retailers, restaurants, and banks.
Since the pilot launch in April 2007, the USGBC has collaborated with more than 80 retail pilot project teams to develop and refine the innovative program. Once balloted, LEED for Retail will become part of the LEED 2009, the next evolution of the LEED green building certification system.
According to Doug Gatlin, vice president of market development at USGBC, "Retailers have become strong adopters of LEED, recognizing the need to green their space in order to convey their corporate values to their customers. The LEED for Retail rating system is designed specifically for retailers' unique needs and features technologies and strategies they can use to create spaces that are healthier and safer for customers and employees."
