PCC Natural Markets awarded LEED Platinum

Seattle -- The newest location of PCC Natural Markets (PCC), the nation’s largest natural foods retail cooperative, has been LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum from the United States Green Building Council. The store, in Edmonds, Wash., is also Salmon-Safe certified, making it the only grocery store in the nation to have earned both honors.



The store’s LEED Platinum certification falls under the USGBC’s new program called “LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors.” It earned Salmon-Safe certification for its environmentally innovative redesign and development of its three-acre site. Specifically, the location is being recognized for harvesting rooftop rainwater for irrigation and other reuse, incorporating low input landscaping, and for treatment of parking lot runoff through its rain gardens. In this case, Salmon Safe Certification criteria helped contribute to the overall LEED rating points system, demonstrating how the two certifications can work together.



“Our transformation of a long-vacant building into a showcase of features and systems that protect and conserve natural resources demonstrates PCC’s commitment to operating stores that are as healthy for customers and employees as the products we sell,” said Tracy Wolpert, PCC’s CEO.



The store was designed and built by Seattle-based Velocipede Architects.