Regency selected to develop USGBC’s Green Retail Guide

Jacksonville, Fla. Shopping center owner and operator Regency Centers said Tuesday it has been selected as a project consultant to create the new “Green Retail Guide: Integrating LEED into your Leasing Process,” by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The guide is designed support USGBC’s strategic work in the retail sector and will complement the LEED for Retail rating system by providing a practical resource that helps integrate green thinking into the way that retail space is selected, leased, built-out and occupied.

According to Mark Peternell, Regency Centers’ VP sustainability, Regency joined forces with Green Building Services, a sustainable development consulting firm, and Ecoxera, a green business strategies and communications firm. The group will research, develop and write content for the publication while following specific guidelines set forth by the USGBC and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

“By collaborating with Regency Centers and a team of industry leaders, the guide will provide invaluable guidance for retailers and their service providers, allowing all parties to make informed and mutually beneficial green decisions,” said Marc Heisterkamp, director of commercial real estate, USGBC. “One among a suite of LEED integration guides, the Green Retail Guide expands the discourse and offers retail real estate professionals resources and guidance for the green leasing process.”

The guide is slated for publication in mid-2010 and will be available for sale at usgbc.org/publications.