Gas station takes the ‘LEED’ in saving energy | Business | Summerville Journal Scene

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Gas station takes the ‘LEED’ in saving energy

Published Thursday, November 20, 2008 1:23 PM

By Michael Tannebaum
Summerville Journal Scene ®

Michael Tannebaum/Journal Scene

Solar panels on the building’s roof will help conserve energy.

The solar panels that line Refuel’s roof are one of the many signs that make the gas station and convenience store unlike any other of its kind.

Refuel, which is scheduled to open in Summerville next month, is being constructed with an eco-friendly approach. Mark Jordan, President of Refuel, Inc., expects the gas station to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, meaning it would meet certain standards for environmentally sustainable construction – a rare feat for a gas station.

“The building will be the only LEED certified gas station in the state that I’m aware of,” said Jordan, who anticipates Refuel will use one-third less power than a normal gas station.

The solar panels on the roof are a clear indicator of Refuel’s environmentally conscious construction, yet there are also more subtle steps being taken such as the use of special paint, which will emit less gas than standard paint.

As another means of conserving energy, Refuel will use energy-saving lights both inside and outside the store.

“For the canopy that covers the gas pumps, rather then using the fluorescent, glaring lights that most gasoline canopies have, we’re using LED lights, which are real bright but don’t use much power,” Jordan said.

In order to receive LEED certification, Refuel will be analyzed by an independent, third party that will judge the environmental responsibility of Refuel based on the building’s operating costs, the amount of waste sent to landfills, the conservation of energy and water and the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions among other criteria.

“Nobody else here has done this before and I thought it would a worthwhile experiment since it’s in such a nice area,” Jordan said.

Located at the intersection of Old Orangeburg and Central Avenue, Refuel is the first of five eco-friendly stations in the tri-county area that Jordan plans to open, with the others scheduled to open in 2009 and 2010.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com

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Gas Station takes the "LEED" . . .

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:14 PM

Bravo! I truly hope not only other Gas Stations, but all businesses preparing to build new buildings follow Mr. Jordans lead (LEED.) It is responsible business men like Mr. Jordan, who not only look at the bottom line of the immediate cost to build the building, but the long term effect on the enviornment, the community and the overall operating expenses of the building in the future. Again, Bravo!

Posted by: Gail D.