Given that there is one on every corner, it’s lucky that the brand is more than green in colour. They have recently opened their first LEED certified outlet in Japan.
Unlike other retailers, Starbucks as a company has been committed to doing things the green way for some time. The company even helped on the retail program development for LEED, yet this is their first LEED accredited store in Asia they plan to have all their owned stores LEED accredited. While they have a global standard for delivery of a project like this, some allowances are made to take advantage of the site. For example the Ohori Park project is located in a free standing building literally in a park. Andy Adams is vice president, Store Development for Asia Pacific says “The approach to Ohori Park, in its construction and design, was to integrate the store into the existing landscape, whilst preserving all surrounding trees. The design minimizes energy and water consumption, incorporates locally-sourced and reused and recycled materials, and employs creative methods to inspire our partners [Starbucks’ term for their employees] and customers to make environmentally responsible decisions in their daily lives”.
Adams initially anticipated challenges but with a cross functional team that dug into all possibilities of what positive environmental out comes could be achieved, the outcome was positive. “Since sustainable construction is still fairly new in the Asia Pacific region, there can be challenges when designing a LEED certified store. However, we feel that it is worth committing to LEED as it respects our commitment to reducing the environmental impact from bean to cup. LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit”.
When going through the LEED process the team discovered that their existing practices were just below LEED standard so stretching them to achieve the certification wasn’t so much of a struggle. “Sustainable design and construction is an important component of Starbucks Shared Planet™ commitment. Our ultimate goal is to reduce our overall environmental footprint while providing a neighborhood-cafe which connects with the community it serves. As we plan to refurbish existing stores on an ongoing basis, we will also look for opportunities to incorporate green design strategies and pursue LEED certification if possible”.
Adams notes that developing a brand that is viewed as a neighborhood meeting point means going green is imperative particularly in tough economic times when other competitors are failing. Companies like Patagonia, he notes, are examples of companies that survived due to their commitment to eco-principles. “This design approach will reinvigorate customer experience because it aligns with the evolving lifestyle and values of our Asian customers. The Ohori Park store is a strong example of how we aspire to cultivate an enhanced sense of environmental consciousness and community”.
The Ohori Park store design minimizes energy and water consumption, incorporates locally-sourced and reused or recycled materials, and employs creative methods to inspire and customers to make environmentally responsible decisions in their daily lives. Specific examples include:
- Recycled steel was used to build columns and other structures inside the store
- Low table tops were built with reclaimed wood
- Chairs previously used in other stores were reupholstered - not sent to landfill
- Coffee grounds produced by the store are used as compost for the surrounding landscape
- LED bulbs reduce energy consumption
- Specifically-designed large windows provide natural lighting
- High reflection paint improves heat insulation
- Louver screens and “engawa” style roof overhangs, as well as insulated exterior walls and window frames, are used to block the sun and reduce heating and cooling needs
- Rainwater collected from the roof is used to nourish the landscape and flush the toilets
- Outdoor seating warmed in winter with waste heat from inside the store and solar power
- Use of certified wood
- Avoidance of high-toxin cleaning products
- Ongoing monitoring systems to ensure performance stays on top
Architect / Landscape architect: Shingo Saito, Design manager of Architecture Planning Team for Starbucks Coffee Japan
- Main contractor: Matsumotogumi
- Project mile stone:
construction start date (architecture): Jan 12th, 2010
Completion date: Apr 8th, 2010 - Total gross area: 2818.98 m2
(property area for building permission by local government)
