LEED Case Study - walshsustainable.comwalshsustainable.com/documents/WOM Case Study 04-30-09 v4 vw.pdf · Wild Oats Markets Signature Store . Twenty Ninth St. Mall Boulder, CO . LEED®

Wild Oats Markets Signature Store Twenty Ninth St. Mall Boulder, CO

LEED® Case Study LEED-Retail for NC Pilot

LEED Silver Certification Awarded On December 1, 2007

Written by Valerie Walsh

LEED Management Services LLC Project LEED Consultant LEED Accredited Professional

Revised July 31, 2008

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2 www.leedmanagement.com

Executive Summary

LEED Case Study Wild Oats Markets Signature Store Boulder, CO

Prepared by Valerie Walsh, LEED Management Services, LLC LEED Accredited Professional; Project LEED Consultant Originally written: February 9, 2007 Updated: July 31, 2008

Overview and Executive Summary

• Location: 1601 29th Street No. 1300-1301, Boulder, Colorado 80301 • Building Type: Supermarket • Store Size: 38,920 sq. ft. • Project Scope: New Construction • Urban Setting: Located in the Twenty Ninth Street Mall redevelopment project • Project completion date: May 2007 • Awarded LEED-Retail for NC Pilot Silver level certification on 12/01/07

Wild Oats Markets (WOM) has been a leader in the organic foods and natural product industry since 1987. Now that leadership role has expanded through their environmental stewardship in the design and construction of the new state-of-the-art “green” Boulder store. The Wild Oats Market Signature Store in the Boulder Twenty Ninth Street mall is an inviting showcase of high performance, energy efficient systems; healthy indoor air quality; natural daylighting; and non-toxic, environmentally friendly building materials. Wild Oats is the first supermarket in the nation to achieve third party LEED® certification through the LEED Retail Pilot program of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED Green Building Rating System is the national benchmark for the design, construction, and operations of high-performance green buildings and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The Wild Oats design and construction teams collaborated to incorporate energy efficient systems, water saving fixtures, and environmentally sensitive materials in this landmark project. LEED was the guiding performance metric for sustainable design goals and strategies. Additionally, in keeping with the Wild Oats mission of supporting the local community, building materials were locally sourced whenever possible. Figure 1 – Signature Store Checkstands

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LEED Silver certification was awarded to the project on December 1, 2007, earning 36 points. The project was presented at Greenbuild 2007 in the USGBC Retail Workshop as a leading example of sustainable retail and supermarket design. The green design and construction highlights that make this an environmentally exemplary project include: Energy and Atmosphere • Energy cost basis savings of 25% over a conventional supermarket (31% energy

consumption savings), avoiding the release of 623,000 lbs of CO2 • $45,000 in annual energy savings at 2007 rates • Energy analysis provided by Xcel’s Energy Design Assistance Program

(saving approx. $28,000+ in design fees to WOM) • $38,700 cash incentive to WOM from Xcel for energy saving strategies and

equipment • Waste heat from refrigeration units is captured and used to heat the store

during the winter • Carbon emissions that contribute to global warming will be reduced by

2,277,000 lbs, through the purchase of biomass renewable energy credits to offset 70% of electricity used by the store (for two years)

• Secondary glycol refrigeration loop reduces amount of refrigerant (a greenhouse gas) needed for food cases by 76%

• Annual carbon footprint (predicted): 85.9 lbs. CO2/ft2 (68%, or 58.5 lbs CO2/ft2), is offset through purchase of biomass renewable energy for 2,277,000 lbs. of CO2 (for two years)

• Highly Reflective (65%) roof material used to reduce summer cooling of building and reduce solar heat buildup of surrounding surfaces

• High-efficiency lighting system includes auto-dimming feature to respond to natural daylight supply with auto nighttime shut off to reduce nighttime light pollution

• Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights off in unoccupied areas • Commissioning of the energy systems ensure Owner’s Project Requirements

are met and optimal performance of mechanical systems is achieved

Figure 2 - Bakery

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• Variable Air Volume (VAV), energy efficient kitchen exhaust hoods • 58% improved R-value in roof insulation • Low-e glass with thermally efficient frames reduce energy use • Computerized Energy Management System (EMS) efficiently controls energy

systems • First corporation to purchase biomass renewable energy from major national

provider; biomass is an ‘on-demand’ Green-e certified source of renewable power

Materials and Resources • Recycled content in building

materials of more than 21% • An Eco-Cycle Zero Waste store,

reducing and recycling waste including composting

• Construction waste sent to landfill reduced by more than 63% or approximately 156 tons

• Locally sourced 17% of building materials to support local economy and reduce CO2 emissions from transportation

• Reclaimed wood from Hurricane Ivan used for shelving, wall finish, and display tables

• Shorter growth cycle Lyptus™ wood used for store shelving and tables • Natural finish materials used for a connection to natural world

Figure 4 – Colorado flagstone wall finish

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood used in flooring and shelving

Figure 3 –Vino 29, Beer and Wine

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Indoor Environmental Quality • Healthy indoor air quality achieved using non-toxic materials and a fresh air

ventilation system • Healthy indoor air quality provided by high-efficiency air filtration system • Natural daylighting improves light quality for improved product appearance

and worker

productivity, and reduces artificial lighting and cooling requirements

Water • Water savings of 21%, or 34,000 gallons, over standard plumbing fixtures • Landscape water savings of 76% beyond Boulder’s strict drought ordinance

Sustainable Sites • Designated Preferred Parking for

hybrid vehicles • Bicycle incentive program for

store employees • Bicycle racks and showers

provided to encourage alternative transportation

• Store location affords alternative transportation by being close to bus routes, bike paths and other services, reducing parking needs

Figure 5 - Holistic Health

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Innovations • Green Educational Outreach

program for public • Green Power exemplary

performance through 70% biomass renewable energy purchase

• A LEED Accredited Professional, (LEED Management Services), experienced and knowledgeable in LEED and sustainable design and construction, coordinated the project team through the integrated design and LEED certification process.

• Leadership role as first supermarket in the US Green Building Council Retail Pilot program to achieve LEED green building certification

Figure 7 – Street view of store June 2008

Figure 6 - Educational Signage

S) Control8 1 Y 2 S) Control

Wild Oats Markets Boulder 29th St. Mall

LEED‐Retail for NC PiloProject # 10003532

Certification Level: Silvert12/1/2007

36 Points Achieved Possible Points: 69Certified 26 to 32 points Silver 33 to 38 points Gold 39 to 51 points Platinum 52 or more points

8 Sustainable Sites Possible Points: 14 4 Materials & Resources Possible Points: 13Y Y

Y Prereq 1 Construction Activity Pollution on Preventi Y Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables1 Credit 1 Site Selection 1 Credit 1.1 Building Reuse: Maintain 75% of Existi 1ng Shell1 Credit 2 Development Density & Community Connectivity 1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse: Maintain 100% of Existi 1ng Shell

Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse: Maintain 50% of Non-St 1ructural Elements1 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access 1 1 Credit 2.1-2.2 Construction Waste Management 21 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation: Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 3.1-3.2 Resource Reuse 21 Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation: Low-Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles 1 2 Credit 4.1-4.2 Recycled Content 21 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation: Parking Capacity 1 1 Credit 5.1-5.2 Local/Regional Materials 2

Credit 5.1 Site Development: Protect or Restore Open Space 1 Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 11 Credit 5.2 Site Development: Maximize Open Space 1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1

Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management: Quantity 1Credit 6.2 Stormwater Management: Quality 1 10 Indoor Environmental Quality Possible Points: 15Credit 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands: Non-Roof 1 Y

1 Credit 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands: Roof 1 Y Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ PerformanceCredit 8Credit Light Pollution ReductionLight Pollution Reduction 1 Y Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETPrereq Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ET

1 Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 11 Water Efficiency Possible Points: 5 1 Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 1Y 1 Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan 1: During Construction1 Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping: 50% Reduction 1 Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan 1: Before Occupancy

Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping: No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 1 Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials: Adhesiv 1es & SealantsCredit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technology 1 1 Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials: Paints 1Credit 3.1-3.2 Water Use Reduction 2 1 Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials: Carpet 1

1 Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials: Composite W 1ood & Agrifiber Products8 Energy & Atmosphere Possible Points: 17 1 Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source 1 ControlY Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems: Lighting 1Y Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems: Thermal 1 ComfortY Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance 1 Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort: Design 1Y Prereq 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort: Verification 15 Credit 1.1-1.10 Optimize Energy Performance 10 1 Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views: Daylight 75% of 1 Spaces

Credit 2.1-2.3 On-Site Renewable Energy 3 Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views: Views for 90% of 1 Spaces1 Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning 11 Credit 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 5 Innovation & Design Process Possible Points: 5

Credit 5 Measurement & Verification 1 Y

1 Credit 6 Green Power 1 1 Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Green Educati 1onal Outreach Program1 Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Occupant Recycli 1ng1 Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design: Exemplary Perfor 1mance, EAc61 Credit 1.4 Innovation in Design: Toxic Material 1 Source Reduction1 Credit 2 LEED® Accredited Professional 1

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Design and Construction Team Members: Wild Oats Construction Division and Facilities team:

Mike Kramer, Dan Hubbell, Abel Villacorta, Gary Epright

TI/Interior Architect: CSHQA, Patrizia Norberg CSHQA, Jason Cline MEP Engineer: CSA, Allan Samuels CSA, Yorem Perleman CSA, John Fehrenbach CSA, Geoff Fountain Sustainable Design & Construction Consultant:

LEED Management Services, Valerie Walsh, Principal, LEED AP LEED Management Services, Mark Bloomfield, LEED AP TI Contractor: Bush Décor & Construction: Joe Lobb Bush Décor & Construction: Jake Evans Bush Décor & Construction: Kyra Weinkle Commissioning Authority, Fundamental Cx: E-Cube, Jerry Deall Commissioning Authority, Enhanced Cx: EMC Engineers, Tom Poeling Shell Contractor: The Weitz Company, Jared Quillen Shell Architect: SEM Architects, Todd Decker Developer/Owner’s Rep: Westcor, Brian Hochnadel Landscape Architect: DHM Design, Roger Burkart Energy Modeling Analysis: Xcel Energy Design Assistance Program,

The Weidt Group, Kris Leaf Civil Engineering: Drexel, Barrell & Co, Josh Erramouspe

Figure 8 - Project Team Meeting

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Wild Oats Markets Signature Store Twenty Ninth Street Mall Boulder, CO

LEED® Case Study Detail LEED-Retail for NC Pilot LEED Silver Certification

Awarded On December 1, 2007

Written by Valerie Walsh

LEED Management Services LLC Project LEED Consultant LEED Accredited Professional

Revised July 31, 2008

CONFIDENTIAL


Sustainable Sites - Land Use & Community Site Description Building footprint: 38,920 sq. ft. Mall redevelopment size: 62 acres (entire Twenty Ninth Street Mall) The Twenty Ninth Street Mall was constructed on the site of the aging Crossroads Mall, which had all but closed after a steady stream of store closings left the mall nearly empty. Building on an existing site is environmentally beneficial for several reasons. Avoiding development of additional undisturbed land helps to ease pressure on existing natural ecosystems and wildlife. It decreases sprawl and increases density, which, in turn, reduces car miles and fuel burned, and encourages alternate modes of transportation. Locating the store near many other community resources further reduces vehicle miles traveled, as customers can run more errands in a single trip. An added benefit to the community is the redevelopment and revitalization of a dying neighborhood. In addition to being a redeveloped site, the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store site is a sustainable site choice for the following reasons, according to the US Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System. The site is not:

• located on prime farmland, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture • located in the 100-year flood plain, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency • on land that is identified as habitat for species on Federal or State threatened or endangered lists • within 100 feet of wetlands • on land previously designated as public parkland

Alternative Transportation There are many features of the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store that facilitate the use of alternative modes of transportation. Located near several local and regional bus lines, the store is accessible by bus from many areas of Boulder, as well as many neighboring communities. Bike racks, and incorporation of the mall into Boulder’s extensive bicycle and pedestrian path system enables customers and employees to reach the store safely under their own power. The presence of bike racks on all public buses furthers the flexibility and reach of both these alternative transportation systems. The store

Figure 9 – Wild Oats Markets Store Exterior; sign is covered

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provides shower facilities and changing rooms to encourage employees to leave their cars at home. Wild Oats Markets is also implementing an employee incentive plan to increase alternative commuting. The plan includes a rideshare board, bus schedules, a loaner bike for daytime errands, and bus ticket books as employee rewards. For those customers that have chosen hybrid vehicles for their transportation, there is preferential parking closest to the store entrance. Soil Preservation Loss of topsoil on construction sites reduces soil quality and biodiversity, and often results in increased use of fertilizers and pesticides. Sedimentation, the collection of sediment in bodies of water, is a problem that degrades water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and can increase flooding1. Before beginning construction on the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store, an erosion and sedimentation control plan was implemented to reduce loss of soil from stormwater runoff, wind erosion and construction activities. Local Impacts One result of increased urbanization is the covering of large areas with dark asphalt and black roofs, which absorb the sun’s energy and re-radiate it as heat. This is known as the heat island effect, and it can cause local temperatures to rise, impacting human and wildlife habitat2, and increasing cooling costs and carbon emissions. In order to reduce the heat island effect for the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store, Wild Oats chose a high albedo roof material that reflects 65% of the light back into the atmosphere, thereby keeping the building cooler. Another form of local pollution is light pollution. While lighting is often necessary for security and access, light trespass can negatively impact nocturnal ecosystems and limit night sky access3. In order to reduce light pollution from the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store, Wild Oats uses the Energy Management System to turn off all non-security lights when the store is closed. Site Highlights

• Site o Redevelopment of the existing shopping mall site reduces pressure on existing natural

ecosystems and wildlife. o Increasing density decreases car miles traveled and encourages alternative transportation. o Redevelopment helps revitalize neighborhoods. o Location in retail area encourages customers to combine errands and reduce car miles.

• Transportation

o Showers and changing areas are provided by Wild Oats Markets to encourage bicycle and pedestrian commuting by employees.

o Store is located near several local and regional bus routes to encourage leaving the car at home.

o Convenient and plentiful bicycle racks encourage use of bicycles as alternative transportation.

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o An incentive program for employees for alternative commuting decreases traffic and parking lot congestion.

o Preferential parking is designated for hybrid vehicles.

• Local Impacts o High albedo roof reflects 65% of the sun’s light, reducing the heat island effect. This

decreases the impact on local ecosystems, as well as reducing cooling loads and carbon emissions.

o Interior lights automatically turn off after the store is closed which reduces light pollution, improving night sky access and reducing impact on nocturnal ecosystems.

Water Conservation and Use Colorado has recently experienced its worst drought in 50 years, and while conditions have eased somewhat, there is little doubt that population pressures and climate change uncertainties will continue to challenge the water resources of communities along the Front Range. In recognition of this, Wild Oats made a significant effort to reduce the amount of water used by the Twenty Ninth Street Mall Signature Store. Landscaping Landscaping for the Twenty Ninth Street Mall was designed to minimize the amount of water needed for maintenance, while still retaining an attractive appearance. The plants selected were predominantly from a xeric, or low water consuming, plant palette, and turf was eliminated from the project. Using xeric plants as a base, the site was designed so that plants with similar water needs were planted in the same zones. The drip irrigation system was zoned accordingly, and rain sensors are used to water only when needed. Soil amendments were used to increase moisture retention; shrub beds and tree plantings were amended with 5 cubic feet of compost per 1,000 square feet of planting area. Stone mulch was used to keep the soil cool, and reduce evaporation in the beds, yet not be blown away by the high winter winds. Careful design of the landscaping combined with a high-efficiency drip irrigation system resulted in a savings of 76% annually over Boulder’s strict water code, which was enacted after the recent drought. Water Saving Fixtures The Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store was also designed to minimize building occupant water usage. Low flow fixtures in the restrooms, showers and break room use 21% less water than conventional fixtures, saving 34,000 gallons of water every year. This does not include process water used in food preparation areas. Water Saving Highlights

• Landscaping for The Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store used xeric plants and drip irrigation to

reduce landscape water needs. • Landscape water savings of 76% beyond Boulder’s strict drought ordinance. • Water savings of 21%, or 34,000 gallons, over standard plumbing fixtures.

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Energy & Atmosphere Energy reduction is one of the most important ways that a supermarket can reduce its environmental impact. In addition to large heating and cooling loads present in any retail space, supermarkets require a substantial amount of energy for refrigeration. There is, therefore, considerable opportunity to reduce the amount of energy used, resulting in both a lower carbon footprint, and considerably reduced operating expenses. Energy Management System All of the building’s energy systems are controlled by Emerson’s Einstein 2 Energy Management System (EMS) computer, also known as “The Einstein”. The Einstein receives input from a vast array of sensors, and uses the information it gathers to control comfort, lighting and food refrigeration. Temperature sensors help the system to regulate the temperature in different areas of the store, based on real-time data. The Einstein also regulates the refrigeration system for chilled and frozen foods, keeping the food at its proper temperature as efficiently as possible. The Einstein controls the lighting system, turning off lights in unoccupied areas and dimming the lights when natural light is available. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, Energy Savings The HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and refrigeration systems installed in the Twenty Ninth Street Mall Signature Store are innovative in several respects. Rather than being two distinct systems, the HVAC system uses rejected heat from the refrigeration system to heat the store in the winter, spring and fall. This is achieved through the use of heat pumps rather than the usual furnace. A closed water circulation loop removes waste heat from the refrigeration compressors and supplies it to the heat pumps, which then provide comfort space heat to the store. This saves an estimated 35,000 therms of natural gas per year or the amount of natural gas it takes to heat approximately 30 average Colorado homes per year. The system not only reuses the waste heat from the refrigeration process, it also allows the refrigeration compressors to run at higher efficiency, saving more energy. As an additional energy saving measure, high efficiency motors were specified for all cooling and circulation fans. In addition, an energy efficient defogging controller will be used to minimize the energy used in clearing the fogged glass of the reach-in door units affected by relative humidity levels in the store. The hot water heaters that supply hot water to the entire store are 80% efficient.

Figure 10 - Rooftop HVAC System

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One big energy consumer associated with the HVAC system is the system of exhaust hoods in the kitchen areas. Conventional hoods exhaust a fixed volume of air per hour, and must be designed to remove the grease, exhaust smoke and particulates produced during peak hours. This results in excessive exhaust rates during non-peak periods, and the attendant loss of energy that is associated with exhausting conditioned air (in addition to the energy to run the fans

continuously). To reduce the amount of energy lost, the store uses Variable Air Volume (VAV) exhaust hoods. These hoods use optical sensors to detect the levels of smoke and vapors, as well as a sensor to measure the temperature of the exhaust air. This allows the hood to exhaust in proportion to the amount of cooking being done, and saves energy during non-peak periods. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, Environmental Concerns In addition to saving energy, the HVAC and refrigeration systems were designed to minimize the environmental impact of the refrigerants used. The refrigerants used are non-ozone depleting, avoiding damage to the ozone layer in case of a leak. Because all refrigerants currently available are classified as greenhouse gases, great care was taken to minimize the amount of refrigerant used in the system. One feature that significantly reduces refrigerant quantities is a secondary glycol loop, used for medium temperature refrigeration. The glycol is cooled at the compressor rack, and is circulated to the refrigerated fixtures and walk-in boxes throughout the store. The amount of refrigerant was further reduced during the integrated design process. Most buildings are designed in sections – the architect designs the envelope, the engineer designs the mechanical sections, etc. LEED building projects incorporate an integrated design process, in which the building is considered as a whole system, rather than as individual components. In the case of the store’s refrigeration system, the engineer worked closely with the architect to locate the rooftop refrigerator compressors as closely as possible to the associated freezers in the store, minimizing the piping, and therefore the amount of refrigerant required. To not only minimize the amount of refrigerant used in the system, but also minimize the refrigerant lost during its lifetime, the refrigeration system is fitted with an infrared refrigerant leak detector.

Figure 11 - Melink VAV Exhaust Hoods (during construction)

Figure 12 - Refrigerator Cases with non-ozone depleting R404A Refrigerant

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The leak detector will generate an alarm in the event of a leak in the refrigeration system so that the leak can be identified and addressed promptly, maintaining the efficiency of the system while minimizing any greenhouse gas release. Lighting and Daylight Harvesting The Signature Store design incorporates many strategically placed skylights to take advantage of the frequent sunny days in Colorado, achieving a daylight factor of 3.9%. Daylighting, the use of natural light in combination with light level sensors and dimmable high-efficiency fluorescent lights, saves energy in two ways. The first is the direct reduction of lighting energy by dimming the lights when natural light is available. The second is the reduction of heat generated by the lights, which must be removed by the air conditioning system in multiple seasons. In addition to saving energy, the natural light from daylighting has been shown to boost worker productivity and improves the natural appearance of the products. Another feature of the lighting design that reduces energy is the use of occupant sensors in storage rooms and other infrequently used spaces. All lights in these spaces are on timers controlled by Emerson’s Einstein 2 Energy Management System (EMS) or “The Einstein”, which turns the lights off if the space is unoccupied. Additionally, the Einstein turns off all the lights, except for security lights, when the store is closed, to reduce energy consumption and minimize nighttime light pollution. Building Envelope In addition to reduced energy consumption in the store’s interior, the external building envelope also directly reduces the amount of energy used. The light colored outer surface of the roof was chosen to reflect much of the intense Colorado sun, so that the building doesn’t absorb a large amount of heat in the summertime. The chosen roof material reflects 65% of the sun’s energy, which not only reduces the summer cooling load for the building, it also reduces the heat island effect. This is a condition whereby the temperature of surrounding parking lots and buildings in urban areas is artificially a few degrees higher because neighboring dark surfaces absorb sunlight and re-radiate it as heat. The roof was also constructed with significantly improved insulation. The R-30 insulation is a 58% improvement over the R-19 insulation required by code. The windows in the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store were specified with Low-e glass, and thermally broken frames. Low-e glass helps to block heat from entering the store in the summertime, and helps retain heat in the wintertime. The window frames are made from aluminum, with a polyester connection between the inner and outer frames so that energy is not conducted through the frame.

Figure 13 - Low-e, Thermally Broken Windows

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Peak Power Demand The considerable efforts made to conserve energy have an important impact beyond directly reducing carbon emissions and operating costs. The utility industry typically runs its most efficient, low-cost plants to meet the average day-to-day needs of its business and residential customers. When demand is high, utility companies then generally use their more expensive and less efficient plants to meet the energy needs of its customers. If the demand for air conditioning, refrigeration, and other electricity on a hot summer day begins to exceed total capacity, a new plant must be built to meet that demand. The efforts made to significantly reduce the store’s energy consumption help the local utility company, Xcel Energy, manage peak demand, and reduce the need to run less efficient electricity sources. Indeed, this is so important to Xcel Energy that the company paid for the energy analysis of the store and will award Wild Oats an estimated $38,700 cash incentive upon construction completion based on a projected 25% annual energy savings.

Green Power Most electricity in the U.S. is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, conventional electricity generated from fossil fuels is the leading cause of industrial air pollution. This harmful pollution leads to smog, acid rain and climate change. Fortunately, new renewable sources of energy exist that are pollution free and sustainable for the future. The Department of Energy calls biomass one of our most important energy resources. Produced from agriculture byproducts and other biological matter, biomass power fills an essential role in a diverse supply of renewable energy sources. Unlike wind or solar, which can only produce power when the wind is blowing or when the sun is shining, the fuel used in biomass power generation can be stored by utility companies and used to generate power on demand, when usage is higher. Wild Oats will be purchasing renewable energy credits from biomass facilities to offset 70% of the electricity used in the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store. This purchase will help the growth of clean renewable energy, support rural farming communities and preserve precious natural resources. The purchase will also offset 2,277,000 lbs of CO2, reducing the impact of the store on global warming.

Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems Commissioning is a third-party verification process that documents that the energy systems in a building are designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The benefits of commissioning include reducing energy use and operating costs, and improving occupant comfort.

Figure 14 - Green Power Marketing Materials

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In addition to confirming that the equipment purchased meets the OPR, the commissioning agent performs tests on all the energy systems to make sure they work as designed. Checks of the heating and air-conditioning units verify that they are working as efficiently as possible and the ventilation system is tested for optimal air distribution. The refrigeration was a natural target for commissioning, given the complexity of the system, and because it consumes such a large portion of the store’s energy. The commissioning agent checks the operation of the individual system components, as well as ensuring that the systems cool to design temperatures. The store’s lighting system has a large number of daylight sensors, to dim the lights when daylight is available, as well as occupancy sensors to turn lights off in empty office and storage spaces. The commissioning agent thoroughly tests these systems to verify that they work as designed to minimize the energy used for lighting. The Energy Management System, the computerized control center that coordinates all the energy systems, is also tested along with all the sensors that feed it information, to ensure that all energy systems work together as efficiently as possible. The Wild Oats Markets Signature Store goes beyond the fundamental LEED requirements for commissioning with Enhanced Commissioning services. As an example, ten months after the store opens, the commissioning authority will conduct another assessment of the energy systems, and will make recommendations for any remedies or adjustments, so that the building operates as designed. Energy and Atmosphere Highlights

• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

o Emerson’s Einstein 2 Energy Management System (EMS) computer or “The Einstein” efficiently controls the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and lighting systems to minimize energy use.

o Waste heat, rather than new natural resources, is used to heat the store in the winter. o High efficiency equipment and smart design reduced the annual energy consumption of the store

by 25% over a conventional supermarket, avoiding emission of 623,000 lbs of CO2 o Variable speed vent hoods reduce energy lost when venting kitchen areas.

• Refrigerant Reduction o A glycol refrigeration loop helps to minimize the amount of non-ozone depleting refrigerant used

in the system. o An integrated design process located refrigeration equipment close together to minimize pipe

length, further reducing the quantity of refrigerant o An infrared leak detector was installed to minimize refrigerant loss over the life of the store. o Because all refrigerants are greenhouse gases, minimizing the amount used helps combat global

warming.

• Daylighting and Energy Efficiency o Designed for daylight harvesting. Daylighting factor of nearly 4% achieved. o High efficiency lighting is dimmed when natural light is available, reducing energy usage and

improving the natural appearance of the products. o Occupant sensors turn off lights when low-occupancy areas are not occupied.

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• Energy Efficient Building Envelope

o Highly reflective roof avoids heat absorption in the summer time, and reduces load on the cooling system

o Well insulated, R-30 roof keeps the store cool in the summer and warm in the winter. o Low-e glass with thermally broken window frames reduces the transfer of heat in both the

summer and winter, reducing energy consumption.

• Peak Demand Reduction o Energy savings reduce the peak demand of the store, reducing the need for new power plants, or

use of older, less efficient plants.

• Green Power o Wild Oats will purchase 70% biomass renewable energy for the Twenty Ninth Street Signature

Store to reduce carbon emissions for electricity needs by 2,277,000 lbs of CO2. o Biomass is an important element in moving towards renewable energy, because it can be

produced on-demand.

• Commissioning o An independent Commissioning Authority verifies and documents that the energy related

systems in the Signature Store are installed, calibrated, and perform according to the owner’s project requirements.

o Benefits of the commissioning process include reduced energy use, lower operating costs, improved occupant comfort and productivity, and longer equipment life.

Materials & Resources The choice of materials used on a project has a significant impact on how sustainable a building will be. Careful attention to extraction, manufacture and transport of materials, as well as the proper disposal of waste, can significantly reduce the impact a construction project has on the environment. In addition to reducing the impact on the natural environment, the selection of materials that eliminates harmful chemicals has important health benefits to the occupants of the building. Each of the following sections explains the benefits of a particular aspect of sustainable materials. Of course, the more of these features in a purchased material or product, the better. Zero Waste Program

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that “about 80% of what Americans throw away is recyclable, yet our recycling rate is just 28%.” The Wild Oats Signature Store will participate in Eco-Cycle’s local Zero Waste program to reduce and recycle all waste, including compost and hard-to-recycle materials such as electronics. Eco-Cycle has been recognized as a national leader in the recycling industry and their Zero Waste program is the most robust undertaking to date.

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Figure 15 – Eco-Cycle program signage for entry doors The Zero Waste program provides collection service, educational support, and promotion of waste reduction and recycling. It also includes workplace training sessions, and assessments to measure progress towards Zero Waste. The program guides participants towards environmentally-preferable products and services that reduce waste. Annual reports will be produced on the weight of materials that have been diverted from landfills and resources conserved for the Wild Oats Markets store. The first estimate is that the store will recycle or compost 72% of the waste generated. Additionally, Wild Oats Markets has vendors that will recycle any batteries and fluorescent lights, preventing the leaching of heavy metals into the landfill. Construction Waste Management Construction waste makes up approximately 40% of the landfill waste in the United States4. Over 63%, or 156 tons of the waste from the Wild Oats project has been diverted from the landfill, for reuse and recycling. This achievement reduces the loss of valuable materials, allowing those materials to be used again productively, avoiding the harvest of virgin natural resources. It also conserves the amount of landfill space needed for waste thereby preserving valuable agricultural or urban real estate. Creative re-use of building material waste from the project includes using insulation scrap for a local wine cellar.

Recycled/Reclaimed Materials The reuse or recycle of building materials is an excellent way to avoid the harvest of virgin material resources. Directly reusing salvaged materials in new buildings, reclaiming raw materials for construction, or recycling materials into new products are all ways that the life of raw materials can be extended, rather than burying those materials in a landfill. Many of the materials used in construction of the Wild Oats Signature Store have recycled content, for a total of over 21% recycled content. A large portion of the steel used in the construction of the building envelope, as well as the interior walls, has a high recycled content. Other materials with recycled content include floor tiles, the dropped ceiling (grid and tiles), gypsum wallboard, concrete (using recycled concrete as aggregate, and fly ash as filler), roof insulation, and aluminum window frames, skylights, and entry floor grates. In several areas of the Wild Oats Markets Signature Store, the wood used for shelving, display tables and wall finish is reclaimed wood from Florida’s Hurricane Ivan, the strongest hurricane of the 2004 season. Large, old growth trees that were felled by the storm were reclaimed for use as a construction material, rather than being landfilled.

Figure 16 - Reuse of Waste Rigid Insulation

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Regional Materials Purchasing locally produced materials reduces the environmental impact of shipping materials from distant sites, and reduces the export of the environmental damage cause by material extraction to other communities. Use of regional natural materials also provides a finished product that helps occupants connect with the local environment. Over 17% of the materials used on the project were extracted and sourced within 500 miles of Boulder. Because of Colorado’s abundance of stone and rock, most of the aggregate used in the cement (including the CMUs, or concrete blocks) was sourced in Colorado, much of it just 20 miles away in Lyons, Colorado. Similarly, all of the decorative flagstone was sourced locally, as were many of the other stone decorative finishes. Other materials that were sourced within 500 miles include steel, and drywall from Gypsum, CO.

Short Growth Cycle Materials Replacing the use of long-cycle renewable materials such as hardwood lumber with shorter-cycle renewable materials reduces strain on the environment by reducing the amount of land area needed to supply such materials. Lytpus, a hardwood that is a hybrid of different species of Eucalyptus tree, is used for much of the shelving and tables in the Wild Oats Markets Signature Store. Lyptus is a hardwood with properties similar to maple, grown on plantations in South America. According to the manufacturer, these plantations are managed to minimize environmental damage, with one-third of the plantation preserved as native vegetation. Lyptus has a 15-year growth cycle, which is one-third to one-half as long as traditional hardwood. Natural Materials The Biophilia Hypothesis suggests that humans have an instinctual connection with the natural world, and indeed, studies have shown that hospital patients recover more quickly when exposed to greenery over a completely artificial environment. The Wild Oats Markets Signature Store sought to incorporate natural materials wherever possible, from the many applications of wood used in the floors, shelves and walls, to stone finishes, the smooth river pebble wall finish, ceramic tiles (vs. plastic laminates), and natural linseed oil Marmoleum surfaces (vs. PVC-based vinyl). This provides an opportunity for employees and customers to connect with nature, in keeping with the Wild Oats commitment to the natural environment.

Figure 17 - River Rock Wall Finish (partially grouted)

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Sustainably Harvested Wood Managing our forests so that they provide ecological resources such as clean water, clean air and a habitat for wildlife and indigenous peoples, while still providing wood for construction and other uses is a goal of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). To support sustainable forestry, so that all generations can enjoy our natural resources as we do today, the Council created standards for proper management of forests. Companies that manage their forests to these standards can have those forests certified, and the products of those forests are stamped to indicate that they are FSC certified. The Council also certifies companies as “Chain-of Custody” certified, to ensure that FSC certified wood is properly tracked through each stage, giving customers the confidence that their wood was harvested from a sustainably managed forest. Wild Oats specified FSC certified wood for all the hardwood flooring in the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store, as well as the shelving in the Wine and Holistic Health departments. The James River Collection of 3” pre-finished hardwood flooring was the FSC-certified wood flooring selected for the store. Materials and Resources Highlights

• Zero Waste Program

o Wild Oats will participate in Eco-Cycle’s local Zero Waste program to reduce and recycle all waste, including compost and hard-to-recycle materials such as electronics.

• Construction Waste Management

o Wild Oats diverted 156 tons, or 63%, of the construction waste from the landfill, through recycle and reuse.

• Recycled/Reclaimed Materials o Wild Oats used materials and products with recycled content wherever possible, resulting in over

21% recycled content for the base building. o Wood reclaimed from Hurricane Ivan was used for display tables, shelving, and wall décor.

• Regional Materials

o 17% of the building materials were sourced within 500 miles of the project. o All of the decorative flagstone, and most other stone finishes were harvested in Colorado. o Most of the cement and aggregate in the concrete was harvested or recycled in Colorado.

• Short Growth Cycle Materials o Short growth cycle materials result in greater production from the land, reducing land area

necessary for a given product. o Lyptus is a Eucalyptus hybrid that is comparable to maple, and can be harvested in 15 years,

rather than 30-45 years, like most hardwoods. Lyptus is the predominant material used for shelving and tables in the store.

• Natural Materials o Wild Oats has used natural materials throughout the store to give employees and customers a

connection to the natural world.

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• Sustainably Harvested Wood o Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, from sustainably managed forests, was used in

all the Signature Store’s hardwood flooring, and shelving for the Wine and Holistic Health departments.

Indoor Environmental Quality Recent studies have shown that occupants of green buildings are generally healthier, happier and more productive than those in traditionally built buildings. Whether it is school children, workers, or retail consumers, there is strong evidence that more natural light (through daylighting), more fresh air, and the presence of fewer harmful chemicals improves productivity and sales, and reduces absenteeism and staff turnover. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Volatile Organic compounds are toxins that are often found in carpets, paints, adhesives, and sealants. These toxins have been shown to have negative effects on human health, especially with prolonged exposure. Wild Oats chose to use only low emitting materials for the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store. All of the paints, adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building are low-VOC. Additionally, all carpet and carpet cushion installed in the store meets the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus program, which includes extensive testing to ensure low-VOCs. Composite wood materials in the base building (including cabinetry) contain no added urea-formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; chest tightness; wheezing; and asthmatic and allergic reactions.

Fresh Air The Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store was designed with sensors to ensure a healthy supply of fresh air for occupants at all times. The sensors include airflow monitors that ensure the minimum required flow rate is maintained (according to ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.1-2004), as well as CO2 monitors for densely occupied spaces, which automatically turn on the ventilation system if CO2 levels get too high. Particulates Particulates are small particles of solids and liquids that float in the air. Particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter (about 1/7 the thickness of a human hair) are of the greatest concern to human health, causing or aggravating asthma, bronchitis and other lung diseases, especially in sensitive individuals such as children, those with asthma, and the elderly. Two methods are used to reduce the particulates in the Wild Oats Markets Signature Store. The first is entryway floor grates and walk-off mats, which collect the particulate brought into the store on people’s shoes. The main entrance has an air-curtain, which also helps to prevent wind-borne particulates from entering the store, as well as trapping foot-borne particulates. These strategies help to reduce the amount of particulates from entering the store, and possibly becoming airborne.

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The second method for reducing particulates is the use of MERV-13 filters in the ventilation system. MERV-13 filters are thicker in depth than standard filters and remove more than 75% of all particles from .5 to 10 microns in size.

Figure 18 – Left: Hepa filter vacuum collects dust from drywall sanding. Right: Ducts protected during construction. Daylighting and Views Views to the outdoors are an important point of connection to the rhythms of time of day, to weather and seasonal activity, and to nature. Atypical of conventional supermarkets, which covets the exterior walls for their merchandising value over quality of experience, the Wild Oats Markets Signature Store has taken advantage of the tremendous Boulder Flatiron mountain views with a generous number of windows. These windows surround the store to bring the outdoors in for a greater sense of well-being and connectedness for both customers and employees. The natural daylighting features and benefits have been described in the previous Energy and Atmosphere category. Daylighting contributes to both energy savings and quality of light. Indoor Environmental Quality Highlights • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

o VOCs are compounds that are hazardous to human health. o All paints, adhesives, sealants and carpeting in the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store are low

in VOCs.

Figure 19 - Skylight Above Holistic Health Dept.

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o Composite wood materials in the Signature Store contain no added urea-formaldehyde in the base building, a known carcinogen and irritant.

• Fresh Air

o Airflow and CO2 monitors are employed to ensure a continuous healthy supply of fresh air in the store.

• Particulates o Inhaling very small solids in the air can cause or aggravate asthma and other lung diseases. o Entryway grates and walk-off mats reduce foot-borne particulates in the store o MERV-13 filters remove more than 75% of all particles from .5 to 10 microns in size.

• Daylight and Views

o Views to the outdoors provide a valuable connection to the rhythms of time of day, weather and seasonal activity, and nature for customers and store employees.

o The Signature Store has an abundance of windows, uncommon in typical supermarkets, including delightful views of the Boulder Flatiron mountains.

o Natural daylighting through windows and skylights contributes to the quality of light, appearance of products, and reduces energy needed for lighting and cooling.

Innovation in Design Green Educational Outreach Wild Oats has compiled this case study, and has created educational materials and programs for the Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store as a way to educate the community as to the importance of sustainability and to act as a role model in bringing sustainability into practice.

Green Power The Twenty Ninth Street Signature Store plans to purchase biomass renewable energy credits for 70% of the store’s electricity use, offsetting 2,277,000 lbs of CO2. This level of renewable energy credits qualifies as “Exemplary Performance” by the USGBC’s LEED Accreditation program. A full description of the advantages of biomass renewable energy can be found in the “Green Power” section of

this Case Study.

Figure 20 - Educational Signage

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LEED Accredited Professional The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is a nationally accepted benchmark used to rate high performance green buildings. LEED accredited professionals (LEED AP) have demonstrated an understanding of the LEED rating system. Wild Oats Markets hired LEED Management Services, a LEED consulting firm with LEED AP project managers, to educate, coordinate and guide the project team through the LEED certification process, to act as a sustainability advocate for all team members, and to manage LEED documentation and certification submittals. The process began with a LEED feasibility study one year prior to the start of the project, to determine what level of LEED certification was desirable and possible. From the start of the project, the LEED consultant worked to ensure design and construction team integration and coordination, critical to the integrated design process which is the cornerstone of the LEED process. The LEED consultant also provided the LEED team direction throughout the project, including sample documents, templates, and the proprietary “Road Map to LEED Certification® Team Workbook” customized LEED project management tool. After all team members complete the required documentation for certification, the LEED consultant reviews the documentation to ensure compliance with LEED requirements, and then submits the project to the USGBC for review and certification.

Innovation and Design Highlights

• Wild Oats will implement Green Educational Outreach program for public which includes signage throughout the store highlighting green features and materials. Additionally, a LEED Case Study was written to make the project available to other LEED project teams as an educational resource.

• A LEED Accredited Professional and consulting firm, (LEED Management Services), experienced and knowledgeable in LEED and sustainable design and construction, coordinated and managed the project team, process, and documentation through the entire LEED design, construction, and certification process.

1 USGBC LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide, pp. 23-24 2 USGBC LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide, p. 89 3 USGBC LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide, p. 109 4 USGBC LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide, p.233

Documents

LEED Case Study - walshsustainable.comwalshsustainable.com/documents/WOM Case Study 04-30-09 v4 vw.pdf · Wild Oats Markets Signature Store . Twenty Ninth St. Mall Boulder, CO . LEED®