A new Walgreens store under construction in Evanston, IL, may soon become the first net-zero energy retail store in the nation.
According to engineering estimates, the store will use a projected 200,000 kWh of electricity annually but will generate about 256,000 kWh through a combination of on-site generation and ultra-efficient equipment, including:
- Over 800 rooftop solar panels
- Two wind turbines
- Geothermal heating and cooling with piping below the store
- LED lighting
- Daylight harvesting
- Carbon dioxide refrigerant for heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment
- Energy-efficient building materials
The store’s performance will be measured for a year after opening to determine whether the store meets its net-zero energy goal. The company also plans to obtain LEED Platinum status and Living Building Challenge certification.
