Local Hy-Vee earns LEED certification

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded a Hy-Vee supermarket in Madison, Wis., with LEED Gold certification.

Mike Smith, director of real estate and sustainability for Hy-Vee, said the company is pleased to have earned the second-highest level certification on its first LEED application. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a project meets international standards for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. The system promotes a "whole building" approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

"Hy-Vee's long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in every aspect of our store operations," Smith said. "By designing and building stores that meet the highest standards for sustainability, we are fulfilling our company's mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier."