Friday, June 13, 2025
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PVI Releases Updated Version of Conquest® Water Heaters

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — PVI, a Watts brand, introduces enhanced Conquest® compact, condensing, semi-instantaneous, firetube water heaters that have improved thermal efficiency, optimized pump placement and superior return on investment (ROI). The new Conquest offers commercial facility owners and managers three key benefits: • Enhanced Thermal Efficiency: The upgraded straight firetube heat exchanger design increases the Conquest’s thermal efficiency to an impressive 98% across all inputs, making it one of the most energy-efficient models available. • Optimized Pump Placement: The pump is now strategically positioned at the front and side of …

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energy managementfacilities managementgreen building/LEEDHVAC/RIndustry Voicessoftware/technologyvendors

Visible Results

by Katie Lee

— By Norm Pensky — How gyms can reduce costs and embrace sustainability. Today’s fitness market is increasingly competitive, with boutique workout classes and home exercise options pulling customers in new directions. Instead of chasing costly trends, gym owners can reduce costs and improve profitability by optimizing what’s within their control: energy efficiency. While high-end equipment and lavish amenities may attract attention, smarter energy management offers a more sustainable way to succeed in this crowded industry. Running a gym is energy-intensive. Climate control, lighting and equipment drive up electricity and …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry Voicesretailersvendors

Navigating a Changing Climate

by Katie Lee

— By Kyle Klahre — The world of refrigeration is rapidly changing — here’s what grocers need to know. Refrigeration systems in the U.S. are rapidly evolving due to new government regulations affecting residential, commercial and industrial systems. To understand current changes, it’s helpful to look back at the history of refrigerant regulation. This regulatory journey can be traced back to the middle of the 1980s. The Baby Boomer and Generation X readers likely remember hearing NASA discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Well, the cause of …

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green building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailerswaste management/recycling

REI Co-op Becomes First National Retailer to Achieve Zero Waste

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op has released its 2024 Impact Report and financial results, closing the year with $3.53 billion in net sales, investing over $282 million back into the co-op community and ending the year in a cash flow neutral position. Also in 2024, REI became the first major U.S. retailer to achieve the industry definition of zero waste, diverting 90% of waste from landfills across its operations. “It was an enterprise effort to achieve this zero-waste milestone for the co-op,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of climate, REI Co-op. “But …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurantswaste management/recycling

Starbucks Verifies Over 9,000 Stores for Sustainable Practices

by Katie Lee

Seattle — As of the end of 2024, Starbucks had verified more than 9,000 stores for meeting robust standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. These measures — taking steps toward a more sustainable build, design and operations — are planned to be implemented across 10,000 stores in 2025. Of the 9,000 stores, Starbucks is celebrating five stores for excelling in innovation, environmental impact, community connection, inspiration, and customer and partner experience. These stores reflect Starbucks …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurants

Largest Solar-Powered Starbucks in the U.S. Now Open

by Katie Lee

Gilbert, Ariz. — Mercy Center, a highly anticipated 11-acre mixed-use development in Gilbert, Ariz., is now open. Developed and leased by Diversified Partners, the new community hub includes Arizona’s largest Starbucks — and the largest solar-powered Starbucks in the country. The two-story design redefines eco-conscious, customer-centric retail. This first-of-its-kind Starbucks location features a rooftop solar array supplying 80% to 100% of the store’s energy needs. Excess power is fed back into the grid to support nearby homes. Designed for efficiency and accessibility, the flagship Starbucks includes a 23-car drive-thru, designated …

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energy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailersvendors

ENTOUCH Presents 24 Hour Fitness with Sustainability Award

by Katie Lee

Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leading energy management solutions provider for multisite operators, has selected 24 Hour Fitness as the recipient of the ENTOUCH 2023 Sustainability Award. This award recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to sustainability and energy efficiency. “We are proud to recognize 24 Hour Fitness for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” says Trey Hernandez, vice president of customer success for ENTOUCH. “Their dedication to reducing their environmental impact is an example for other companies to follow. We are proud to do our part in supporting …

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construction and designCover StoryFrom The Magazinegreen building/LEEDretailers

The Little Store That Could

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — How Half Price Books has grown into the largest family-owned new and used bookstore chain in the U.S. by rehoming books into the hands of more people — and not into landfills. Book lovers often joke that they could “start their own bookstore” from the stacks of books tucked into every corner of their own home, but imagine actually doing it. Over 50 years ago, a pair of bibliophiles named Ken Gjemre and Pat Anderson did just that. In the summer of 1972, they drew …

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construction and designfranchise developmentgreen building/LEEDNewsrestaurants

Canada-based CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market to Open First U.S. Location

by Katie Lee

Vancouver, B.C. — CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market plans to open its first U.S. location at Preston Center in Dallas in early 2026. This marks the company’s highly anticipated entry into the American market, building on its success across Canada. The flagship U.S. location will feature more than 100 beers on tap — including local Texas brews — along with cocktails, wine and a globally inspired menu of scratch-made dishes. In 2019, PJ L’Heureux, founder of CRAFT, partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and the highly successful …

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construction and designgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailers

Walmart Unveils New 350-Acre Campus in Bentonville, Arkansas

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — On Jan. 17, Walmart unveiled its New Home Office campus in Northwest Arkansas, a 350-acre sustainably designed workplace that establishes a new standard for corporate headquarters, one that prioritizes worker well-being, environmental stewardship and public accessibility. The state-of-the art campus represents a multibillion-dollar investment in associate experience environmental leadership and community development, featuring mass timber construction, smart building technology, offices designed to be powered by renewable energy and seamless integration with Downtown Bentonville. The phased opening approach will continue throughout 2025, with the inaugural celebration marking the …

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