Multi-format retailer Giant Eagle is celebrating its first-ever Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its GetGo convenience store and fuel station located at 140 Towne Center Drive in Wexford, Pa.

This latest achievement — the first-of-its-kind honor in the entire western Pennsylvania region and one of the first c-stores to be LEED-certified nationally — represents Giant Eagle’s ongoing commitment to sustainable store design practices while enabling it to take another step toward future initiatives.

“Adding a LEED-certified convenience store and fuel station to our wealth of sustainable business practices underscores Giant Eagle’s commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Shelly Sponholz, SVP of real estate for the Pittsburgh-based chain.

In December 2004, Giant Eagle opened the first LEED-certified supermarket in the world in Brunswick, Ohio, near Cleveland, and has since also been awarded LEED certification for its Shadyside Market District and New Albany (Columbus, Ohio) Giant Eagle.

“GetGo has been incorporating green practices into our operations for a number of years, highlighted by our alternative fuel offerings at many locations and the water reclamation system in place at our WetGo car wash locations,” added Giant Eagle VP of fuel and c-stores Dan Pastor. “There are some 150,000 convenience stores across the nation. To have our Township of Pine location recognized as one of a handful of LEED-certified stores in the country is an exceptional honor.”

The 1,942 square-foot Pine Township GetGo opened in February 2009. Among its LEED Silver-certified features are:

—Fresh Air: Air quality sensors constantly monitor for carbon dioxide to ensure fresh, clean air throughout the store. Air quality is improved by the use of adhesives, sealants, paints, carpeting and wood products that are low in volatile organic compounds

—Water Conservation: Parking lot landscaping has been planted with drought-tolerant vegetation that requires no irrigation

—Greater Energy Savings: The store is designed to consume 21 percent less energy than comparable, conventionally designed supermarkets, with all of the store’s electricity produced by green energy sources

—Use of Less Heating and Cooling: Increased insulation, and daylighting help the store save energy year-round

—Cleaner Atmosphere: The store uses no-ozone-depleting refrigerants in its refrigeration and cooling systems

—Recycling and Recycled Materials: A majority of construction waste, such as steel and drywall, was sent to various companies for reuse. Nearly all wood used in the site is harvested from sustainable services. All cabinetry is free of urea formaldehyde, and all gypsum wallboard is made from 10 percent recycled materials. Nearly all food by products, such as cooking oil and trimmings, are transformed into other areas, including bio-diesel fuel, animal feed and lubricants

Giant Eagle operates 164 corporate and 58 independently owned and operated supermarkets, in addition to 155 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland. The company operates stores under the Giant Eagle, Market District, Giant Eagle Express, Valu King and GetGo banners.