Target is pleased to announce that an additional 44 store locations in Canada have been awarded Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This announcement means that all 68 newly launched Target locations have been awarded LEED certification - a first for a major retailer in Canada.
Target is pursuing LEED certification for all 124 stores scheduled to open in Canada this year. Target is obtaining LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Volume Program, which streamlines the certification process for buildings in both Canada and the U.S.
“Environmental sustainability at Target is fundamental to our business, and we have been working hard in Canada over the past few years to open our most sustainable collection of stores to date,” said Derek Jenkins, senior vice president, External Relations, Target Canada. “We are confident that all 124 store locations opening this year will be awarded LEED certification, making Target a leader among Canadian mass retailers when it comes to having sustainable store buildings.”
In order to obtain certification, remaining Target stores will undergo various rounds of audits throughout 2013, which must meet stringent criteria across five LEED categories including: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
“LEED is a rigorous leadership standard, and obtaining even a single certification is a significant achievement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “For Target, securing certification for this portfolio of buildings is truly extraordinary. We congratulate Target and commend it for its demonstrated commitment to creating healthier buildings and communities throughout Canada.”
Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013. Currently the retailer has 68 stores open in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
