Office Depot receives pre-LEED certification for new prototype

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. Office Depot announced that it has become the first company to achieve volume pre-certification under the pilot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Portfolio Program for its store prototype design – the retailer’s master set of drawings – from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

A USGBC member since 2007, Office Depot was part of the first group of participants to become involved in the pilot of the Portfolio Program. Part of the initiative involves piloting a volume certification path to enable companies to integrate LEED attributes into a prototype design and apply it across multiple buildings.

“Office Depot has implemented a number of initiatives over the past couple of years to improve the energy efficiency of our stores and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Ed Costa, vp of construction for Office Depot. “Achieving Volume Pre-Certification through LEED affirms our leadership position in the retail industry as well as in general building construction. The entire organization is proud of this accomplishment.” 

The first Office Depot store to be built to this prototype is located in Austin, Texas and is scheduled to open late next month. According to the USGBC, LEED-Certified buildings reduce energy usage, create less waste and emit fewer harsh chemicals.