The Midwest food and drug retailer Jewel-Osco has opened a green store on Chicago’s Southside, which has received GreenChill Gold Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The designation recognizes the store’s eco-friendly refrigeration system. Officials said Jewel-Osco designed the store according to standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), established by the United States Green Building Council.

The store includes the following green elements:

• A roof with vegetation beds for energy conservation and storm water run-off reduction;

• Water-saving fixtures and faucets;

• Energy-efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning;

• A ventilation system that incorporates natural and mechanical means to enhance air quality inside of the store;

• The use of regional and recycled materials during construction;

• Over 90 percent of construction debris separated for recycling;

• Preferred parking for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles.

“Wherever possible, we’re focused on building environmentally friendly technology into our new and remodeled stores,” said Jewel-Osco President Keith Nielsen. “We’re confident this facility will provide customers with a convenient and pleasant shopping experience.”

During the store’s ribbon cutting ceremony, Jewel-Osco donated a total of $5,000 to two area churches, in support of their hunger relief efforts.

The location at 119th and Marshfield is Jewel-Osco’s second green store. The first LEED certified store opened in September 2008 at 370 N. Des Plaines, in Chicago’s Fulton River District.

Jewel-Osco, a SuperValu company, operates 185 stores in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.

For more information, visit www.jewelosco.com.

Publication date: 08/03/2009