WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, Kum & Go announced that the company had received its 100th LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), for use of sustainable construction and design. Kum & Go has the distinction of operating more LEED-certified stores than any convenience store chain in the world.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating is a points-based system that focuses on environmentally friendly design including energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, material selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED Certification can be attained at various levels including Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Kum & Go currently has 12 stores with Gold certification, 57 with Silver certification and 31 others have been Certified.
In December 2009, Kum & Go became the first convenience store in Iowa to receive LEED certification and is also the first to participate in USGBC’s LEED Volume program. Since 2011, all new stores are designed, constructed and submitted for LEED certification. In addition to leading in the convenience channel globally, Kum & Go ranks fifth in certifications among all retailers, according to the USGBC. Kum & Go’s LEED-certified stores use 20% less water and 30% less energy than typical stores of their size. During construction, Kum & Go LEED stores also use 20% recycled materials such as steel and concrete.
“Having 100 LEED Certified stores is a huge achievement,” said USGBC CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi. “It’s a significant milestone for this company who has made sustainability leadership part of its DNA. We congratulate Kum & Go for this tremendous accomplishment and for demonstrating that convenience and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The company is a great role model for other retailers who want the operating benefits of high performing buildings and the reputational benefits that go along with providing healthy, comfortable spaces for their employees and customers.”
“This is a big milestone for us,” said Kyle Krause, Kum & Go, CEO. “Not only being recognized for achieving LEED status for the 100th time, but knowing the hard work that goes into becoming LEED Certified is the right choice for our business and how we can best serve our communities while being good stewards of sustainability.”