"Net-Zero Energy" Retail Store Debuts in Illinois

Walgreens on November 21 opened a net-zero energy retail store in Evanston, Illinois. The facility is powered by 2 wind turbines, nearly 850 solar panels and a geothermal system tapping 550 feet into the ground. The company reports this is the 1st time it has combined all 3 renewable energy sources in a single store.

The company's engineering estimates indicate that the store will use 200,000 kilowatt hours per year of electricity while generating 220,000 kilowatt hours per year. The building also uses LED lighting and daylight harvesting, and was constructed with energy-efficient building materials. The company is seeking platinum certification for the store through the U.S. Green Building Council LEED program, Net Zero Certification through the Living Building Challenge, and has received GreenChill platinum certification through the U.S. EPA. See the Walgreens press release.

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