Verizon Wireless’ (News - Alert) list of ENERGY STAR certified stores just got longer when 26 more stores “greened” themselves by using ENERGY STAR certified equipment, energy efficient lighting, LED exit signs and motion sensors that activate lighting in less used spaces and other energy saving initiatives.
In total, eighty-five Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country have been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's prestigious ENERGY STAR (News - Alert) certification.
Thus, Verizon wireless ranks third in the country in the list of retailers with certified buildings and occupies the top spot in the wireless retailer category.
In addition, out of the 41 communications stores that are LEED certified, Verizon Wireless has more LEED rated stores than any other wireless service provide. It also has the distinction of being the first and only wireless service provider to join the LEED Volume Program.
While the EPA ENERGY STAR performance rating system assesses how effectively energy is used by buildings vis-a-vis similar buildings across the country, the LEED Green Building Rating System focuses on the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Company officials are quick to point out that Verizon Wireless ENERGY STAR certified stores save more than 2,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and the design of its LEED certified stores are water and energy efficient, enhance the quality of the environment inside the store and adopts responsible practices that reduce waste.
Of the 41 Communications Stores with LEED certification, 15 have Gold status, 25 have Silver status and one has Certified status, according the USGBC's LEED – Commercial Interiors rating system.
In a related news release, Verizon was cited for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission. It was named to the Maplecroft Climate Innovation Index, a list of 300 of the largest companies in the U.S. selected for their climate-related innovation and carbon-management programs.
Mini Swamy is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell
