-By Phil Mathew

Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. announced that the company aims to earn LEED certification on all new company-owned stores beginning in 2010. Among the company’s eco-friendly goals for all new company-owned stores are that 50 percent of each store’s energy be derived from renewable sources, and that they will be 25 percent more energy efficient. The company has set long-term goals, including replacing all stores’ incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs and ensuring 100 percents of its cup supply is reusable or recyclable by 2015. Beyond the energy-saving measures, the company aims to give its stores a more local feel. All new and renovated stores, beginning in 2010, will tap the skills of local craftsmen and use materials associated with the store’s neighborhood.

One recently built store that reflects this new strategy is the company’s First Avenue and Pike Street store in Seattle, opened in March 2009. The bar’s leather façade is made of scrap leather from local shoe and automobile factories, the cabinets from fallen trees in the Seattle area, and the community table from a nearby restaurant.

“We recognize the importance of continuously evolving with our customers’ interests, lifestyles and values in order to stay relevant over the long term,” said Arthur Rubinfeld, president of Starbucks Global Development. “Ultimately, we hope customers will feel an enhanced sense of community, a deeper connection to our coffee heritage and a greater level of commitment to environmental consciousness.”
—Nielsen Business Media