Target Looking to be a Green Leader

Target announced that its first 24 store locations in Ontario have been awarded Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. As previously announced, Target is seeking LEED certification for all 124 stores scheduled to open in Canada this year, and these initial certifications represent a milestone for Target as it works to open its most sustainable collection of stores to date.

Target is obtaining LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Volume Program, which streamlines the certification process for multiple buildings of a similar type in both Canada and the U.S. In order to obtain certification, Target stores will undergo various rounds of audits throughout 2013, which must meet stringent criteria across five LEED categories including: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“As part of Target’s long-term commitment to invest in the health and environmental sustainability of our communities, we’re proud to announce our first Canadian stores are LEED certified,” said Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada. “More than $10 million is being invested into each new location to ensure our stores deliver the Target brand shopping experience, and this includes a commitment to sustainability and design plans that conserve energy, water and waste.”

Locations awarded LEED certification include:

Ajax – Durham Centre
Aurora – Aurora Shopping Centre
Brampton – Shoppers World Brampton
Brampton – Trinity Common
Burlington – Burlington Mall
Burlington – Millcroft Centre
Cambridge – Cambridge Centre
Fergus – Gates of Fergus
Guelph – Stone Road Mall
Hamilton – Centre Mall
Kawartha Lakes – Lindsay Square Mall
London – Masonville Place
London – Westmount Shopping Centre
Milton – Milton Mall Shopping Centre
Mississauga – Square One Shopping Centre
Newmarket – Upper Canada Mall
Orillia – Orillia Square Mall
Toronto – Centrepoint Mall
Toronto – Cloverdale Mall
Toronto – East York Town Centre
Toronto – Shoppers World Danforth
Waterdown – Flamborough Power Centre
Whitby – Taunton Road Power Centre
Windsor – Devonshire Mall

“We would like to congratulate Target on its first LEED certified stores in Canada,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Target’s aim to have all 2013 store locations LEED certified serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”

Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013. Currently the retailer has 48 stores open in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.