Walgreens Mira Mesa

The new Mira Mesa Walgreens in San Diego, California is the first drugstore nationwide to meet top environmental requirements for efficiency and design.  Several sustainable techniques had to be used to attain this feat, but the main strategies are reducing electricity and water usage, recycling tons of cardboard and shrink wrap each year, and upgrading equipment for maximum efficiency.  In order to minimize electricity use, coolers, freezers, and external signs all use LED lights, which use half the energy of typical fluorescent lighting.  Educating the community about sustainability was also a priority for the project. “Signage posted inside the store will inform customers about the features that make this location unique,” said Walgreens market vice president Matt Sesto.  “We want people to feel good about shopping here and maybe even be inspired to live greener lives.”