In my article on LEED-CI in our August issue of BOM, I touched on the fact that the largest trend experts are seeing in regards to LEED-CI is the increasing number of retailers applying for certification and even mandating LEED-CI for their retail branches.

USGBC is introducing a LEED rating system for retail spaces which is in the pilot phase right now. They’re taking a two-pronged approach to retail sustainability, introducing LEED Retail for New Construction and LEED Retail for Commercial Interiors.

As the names imply, LEED Retail NC is based on the tried-and-true LEED-NC system, and LEED Retail CI is based on LEED-CI. By splitting retail certifications into these two categories, USGBC is planning to cater to two different types of retailers: those big box companies that construct free standing facilities, and those (usually) smaller companies that lease space at all or most of their store locations.

While the differences between LEED Retail and their generic LEED counterparts are minimal, USGBC has tailored the retail certifications to the specific needs of a retail facility. For example, the alternative transportation education credit specifies that materials and resources are made available to both store employees and customers. Where applicable, credits are intended to impact the customer as much as employees. In addition, calculation charts are broken down into type of retailer (big box, grocery store, etc.).

Feedback from facility executives and retailers is encouraged during the pilot phase of both LEED Retail certifications. To comment on the relevance to your facility or find out more on LEED Retail certification, go to USGBC’s Web site.