When L.L.Bean was founded in 1912, they probably never thought that over 95 years later the tiny store in Maine would have evolved into the big name business that they are today. With their evolution came responsibility, and with that responsibility came innovation. Innovation invokes change, and that’s exactly what L.L.Bean is supporting by committing to LEED certification for all new construction. In other words, placing L.L.Bean in your center means accommodating their green agenda.
Throughout their buildings and offices in the country, one can find energy sensors for lighting, energy management systems for temperature, equipment and appliances that are Energy Star rated, and remodeled restrooms that are using waterless urinals and low-flow toilets, sinks, and employee showers. One of L.L.Bean’s more notable projects was their store in Burlington, MA which was one of only two stores in 2006 that was built in accordance with the US Green Building Council standards.
Patagonia is a company that has always incorporated a passion for the environment into their overall mission statement and marketing technique. Believing in taking a “holistic approach” to all aspects of their business, they are committed to sourcing lower impact dyes and organic cotton for their products. Defining the quality of their company “by the degree to which [they] can reduce [their] impact on the environment,” they have realized that being committed to the environment means going beyond the materials they use to create their apparel.
In 1998, Patagonia became the first California company to purchase all of their electricity from renewable energy plants. Their 171,000 sq. ft. Reno Service Center is respected throughout the industry as one of the most innovative projects, as it is a sustainable and efficient powerhouse.
As one of the largest outdoor brands in their industry, REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) has proved to themselves and their consumers that they take green initiatives seriously, and have set ambitious goals for the future. Long-term, REI aims to make their buildings achieve the lowest energy intensity in their class, but they have established a short-term goal to ensure that all new locations will meet or exceed LEED-certified standards by 2009. In addition, they intend to apply for LEED certification on at least one existing store per year.
With an emphasis on the community and community common space, REI’s prototype retail store in Boulder, CO sets the bar high for any competitor in its class. While REI as a company is no stranger to green building, this particular location is considered to be a stride above the rest, winning Chain Store Age’s “Retail Store of the Year” award. This was the first time the award was won by a retailer in the Environmental Sustainability category.
Being green has earned PNC Bank ranking among Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Companies, among other awards, for their commitment to the environment. Boasting the most USGBC-certified buildings in the entire world, PNC has been “leading the way” for green banking since 2002. From the structural steel to the carpeting used throughout their buildings, over 50% of materials used in their construction comes from recycled products.
Between postage, check cards, debit cards, and check books, banking could potentially use an excessive amount of paper and plastic. By using recycled paper for their checks and recycled plastic for debit and check cards however, PNC is cutting down on unnecessary product usage.
