U.S. Green Building Council Report Reveals Prominence of LEED Certification Among Major Retailers Pursuing ESG Goals
McDonald’s, adidas, Ferragamo and other global brands rely on LEED to support health, sustainability and a strong bottom line
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Sept. 9, 2019) – Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released a new report, LEED in Motion: Retail, showing the prevalence of LEED certification in retail spaces around the world. LEED is used in more than 12,500 retail locations globally, allowing major brands like TD Bank, Starbucks, 7-Eleven and more to demonstrate achievement of ESG goals to their investors, customers and other stakeholders.
“Now, perhaps more than ever before, consumers demand transparency and responsibility from the brands they support,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. “The retail sector is no exception, and many retailers recognize the importance of developing healthy, sustainable spaces that both delight their customers and support the larger community. LEED provides these businesses with a powerful tool to meet their commitments and to attract consumers.”
As brands with brick-and-mortar retail spaces seek new ways to stand out from online competitors and peers, sustainability has become an asset. By leveraging LEED, retailers effectively communicate their values to consumers and employees, while also reducing energy costs and minimizing waste. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification is available for virtually all building types, including neighborhoods, cities and communities.
