Retail operator Food Lion LLC yesterday (Tuesday 14 July) broke ground on the company's first and South Carolina’s first green grocery store, which, when completed, will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified.

The store, located behind The Summit neighborhood at 4730 Hard Scrabble Road, will feature a number of environmentally friendly construction and energy-efficient services, including an on-site recycling center, skylights for natural lighting, educational kiosks and preferred parking for low-emitting vehicles.

“Food Lion has a long-standing commitment to serving as a caring neighbor and is committed to being a strong corporate citizen in the communities in which we operate,” said Kyle Mitchell, the company’s vice-president of store development.

“We are committed to protecting the environment and reducing energy consumption through green building construction. We are pleased to show our commitment to the citizens of South Carolina by being the state’s first ‘green’ grocery store.”

“By building the first LEED grocery store in our company's history and in South Carolina, we will reduce energy costs by more than 20 per cent compared to a typical supermarket as well as conserve 44 per cent more water than other Food Lion stores,” added Mr Mitchell.

“Food Lion LLC has one of the most advanced retail energy conservation programs in the country. For nearly a decade, Food Lion has been dedicated to numerous sustainability initiatives, such as energy conservation and reducing carbon dioxide emissions throughout its 11-state footprint, reducing its energy consumption by more than 27 per cent since 2000 or 2.5 trillion BTUs.”

Food Lion’s first green store is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2009 and will provide employment for approximately 50 associates.

Food Lion currently operates 145 South Carolina stores and employs more than 7,600 associates in the state.

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