New Iowa-based site marks company milestone.
Kum & Go has secured its 100th LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its use of sustainable construction and design. The Urbandale, Iowa store, located at 11989 Hickman Road, achieved a LEED Silver certification.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a points‐based rating system that focuses on environmentally-friendly design including energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, material selection and indoor environmental quality. Ranking occurs at various levels including Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Kum & Go currently has 12 stores with Gold certification, 57 have the Silver certification and 31 others have been Certified.
In December 2009, Kum & Go became the first convenience store in Iowa to receive LEED certification. Kum & Go is also the first to participate in USGBC’s LEED Volume program. They have more LEED-certified stores than any convenience store chain in the world.
Since 2011, all new stores, such as this one in Urbandale, are designed, constructed and submitted for LEED certification. USGBC also ranks them 5th in retail certifications. Kum & Go LEED stores use 20% less water and 30% less energy than typical stores of their size. During construction, Kum & Go LEED stores use 20% recycled materials such as steel and concrete.
“Having 100 LEED Certified stores is a huge achievement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC, “and 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.”
A 3-D model of sustainable practices is available on the Kum & Go Website at http://www.kumandgo.com/about-kum-and-go/sustainability/3d-leed-model/.
Kum & Go operates more than 430 stores and 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).