Hy-Vee awarded LEED Gold

West Des Moines, Iowa The new Hy-Vee supermarket in Madison, Wis., has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first Hy-Vee store to achieve recognition under the LEED system.

Jeff Markey, assistant VP engineering and construction for Hy-Vee, said the Madison store site was selected based on its proximity to public transportation and residential neighborhoods and the potential to incorporate portions of the existing building and parking lot.

"The store was designed to maximize reuse of the existing structure," Markey said. "This was an abandoned retail site that we were able to put back into service for the community."

The store has achieved energy cost savings in excess of 30% through the use of high-energy heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, low-E windows, a highly reflective roof, large windows and skylights, and the use of motion sensors activating LED lights in refrigerated cases.

Other green features of the project include:

• Water-quality equipment that pollutants from rainwater before it enters the public sewer system;

• Native grasses and perennial plantings;

• Low-flow, motion-activated toilets and hand sinks reduce potable water use by 40;

• No ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigeration;

• Paint and wall coverings, adhesives, carpeting and decor elements with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been used throughout the building to reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances. Carbon dioxide monitors automatically adjust building ventilation to assure indoor air quality; and

• Arecycling center for store-generated materials, shower facilities and changing rooms for employees and an information center for customers help promote Hy-Vee's commitment to sustainability.

Dennis Ausenhus, senior VP real estate and engineering for Hy-Vee, said the company's $16 million investment in the Madison store and its decision to build the store to LEED certification standards are evidence of Hy-Vee's desire to be a good neighbor and a catalyst for change in the community.

"It's gratifying to have our efforts recognized with LEED Gold certification, but from the outset, our primary goal has been to redevelop this site to provide an aesthetic, economic and environmental boost to the community," Ausenhus said.