The new Hy-Vee store planned for Fairfield will be the company’s second store built in accordance with LEED certification standards, Hy-Vee officials announced today.

This fantastic news is not only exciting for the quality of service the facility will bring consumers; but means that this site, identified as a priority site for storm water runoff capture, will incorporate best practices in sustainable construction.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nationally accepted benchmark for environmentally sustainable construction. Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED certification program provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets certain standards for lowering operating costs, reducing waste, conserving resources and providing a healthy environment for occupants and visitors.

In October, Hy-Vee opened its first LEED-eligible retail store in Madison, WI and is awaiting word on the status of its LEED certification application, said Jeff Markey, Assistant Vice President, Engineering/Construction for Hy-Vee. Markey said Fairfield will become the company’s second LEED-eligible project when construction on the new store begins this spring.

Hy-Vee previously had announced plans to build a new 64,000-square-foot store (almost double the size of the current store it replaces) at Burlington and South 14th Street, behind the Burger King. Plans for the new store have not been completed, but it is expected to include a pharmacy with drive-up service, a wine & spirits store, a floral shop and a food court with Chinese and Italian departments.

Many conservation groups in town have been eyeing this site with hope and concern. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District received a watershed development grant to study the Indian Creek watershed, and Pathfinders RC&D coordinated with the Iowa Conservation Corps to do an urban assessment.

After this six month process the new Hy-Vee location was identified as a top priority site to capture and infiltrate storm water runoff because of its position above a tributary of Indian Creek. Ongoing conversations between the Sustainability Coordinator for Hy-Vee, Mike Smith, and the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Fairfield, Scott Timm, have built a relationship that highlights the City’s commitment to sustainability as well as the strong dedication of Hy-Vee to engage with our community.

Seeking LEED certification means that design of construction will take into account impact on waterways – thus this is a big win for the city and those who are located downstream of our watershed.

Commenting on the Hy-Vee decision to go LEED Certified, Mayor Malloy stated, “We have all contributed to building an environment where these decisions are made because of the commitment our city has made.”