[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E60]]
   OPENING OF NEW LEED GOLD CERTIFIED CUB FOODS STORE IN ST. PAUL, MN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Minnesota-
based grocery retail company Cub Foods for its planned opening of one 
of the nation's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental 
Design) Gold Certified grocery stores in St. Paul, Minnesota.
  The new store, located in the heart of St. Paul's Phalen 
neighborhood, will be the first LEED Gold Certified grocery store in 
Minnesota and the second in the United States. It received an award 
from the Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill Partnership at 
Gold-Level Certification for outstanding use of environmentally 
friendly refrigeration technology. I want to congratulate Brian Huff, 
President of Cub Foods; Mark Halvorson, Phalen Cub Foods Store Manager; 
and Jeff Noddle, Chairman and CEO of Cub Food's parent company 
SUPERVALU for their outstanding environmental leadership in setting a 
new standard in the grocery retail industry.
  As a member of the Congressional Green Buildings Caucus I firmly 
believe that energy efficiency in our nation's buildings must play an 
important part in a 21st century energy strategy for the United States. 
The innovations Cub Foods brings to the St. Paul Phalen community with 
its new LEED store are exceptional and should be replicated nationwide. 
The new 62,900 square-foot store has skylights to illuminate 75 percent 
of occupied spaces and has the first commercial parking lot in 
Minnesota illuminated using only LED lights. It incorporates a 
landscape irrigation system that uses 50 percent less water than 
typical systems. In addition, 75 percent of the building construction 
waste will be recycled. Such innovations must become the standard for 
America's buildings as we tackle the challenges of climate change and 
energy security.
  In addition, the Phalen Cub Foods store was an integral part of St. 
Paul's East Side redevelopment project and has created approximately 
135 new part-time and full-time jobs for the neighborhood. As we face a 
global recession, such green projects are a win-win for the environment 
and our economy.
  As Cub Foods commemorated their 40th Anniversary in 2008, the 
commitment Cub is making to the long-term well-being of the 
environment, their customers and employees truly exemplifies 
Minnesota's strong tradition of community and responsible stewardship 
of our community and our planet. I congratulate Cub Foods on its 
efforts and look forward to continuing our shared fight for a greener 
building sector and stronger economy.

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