Walgreens Mira Mesa

San Diego, California

The new Mira Mesa Walgreens in San Diego, California is the first drugstore nationwide to meet top environmental requirements for efficiency and design. Several sustainable techniques had to be used to attain this feat, but the main strategies are cutting electricity and water usage, recycling tons of cardboard and shrink wrap each year, and upgrading equipment for maximum efficiency. In order to cut electricity use, coolers, freezers, and external signs all use LED lights, which use half the energy of typical fluorescent lighting. Educating the community about sustainability was also a priority for the project. “Signage posted inside the store will inform customers about the features that make this location unique,” said Walgreens market vice president Matt Sesto. “We want people to feel good about shopping here and maybe even be inspired to live greener lives.”

Sustainable Strategies

• The site features two designated hybrid parking stalls and provides in-store education material regarding alternative transportation

• Features native landscaping that will not require any watering 90 days after installation

• Unique lighting system installed with sensors that automatically adjust lighting levels as sunlight enters the store

• All wood that was used in construction was certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) principles and criteria

• All paints, adhesives, and floorings contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOC)

• Store is within 1/4 mile of two or more public transportation stops

Project Results

• LEED Retail for New Construction GOLD level achieved

• 48% savings of potable water for domestic uses

• 30% energy cost savings above ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy standard

• 95% of construction waste diverted from the landfill

• 37% of building materials manufactured and extracted within a 500 mile radius