USGBC Unveils Programs for Retail, High-Volume Developers

CHICAGO — The U.S. Green Building Council announced last week the launch of LEED for Retail, its latest green building rating system, and the LEED Volume Program, a certification program for high-volume property developers.

Nearly 100 retailers and franchisees, including Bank of America, Best Buy, Citigroup, Target, Starbucks and McDonald’s participated in the LEED for Retail three-year pilot program. The program, the USGBC says, will allow retailers to integrate green building design, construction and operations into retail interior and build-out projects.

The LEED Volume Program will enable high-volume developers to achieve certification faster, cheaper and more conveniently than they could in the past, the USGBC added. The program reduces consultancy requirements and provides for bulk purchases and advance ordering of materials.

USGBC plans to introduce its Volume certification for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance program next year.