Library Starbucks Seeks LEED Certification

Volume 10, Issue 1, Fall 2009(1)

Starbucks and JMU Dining Services are applying for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification on behalf of the new Starbucks café in Carrier Library. Dining Services is seeking certification at the silver level, according to Angela Ritchie, Dining Services’ Marketing Manager, based on the use of recycled materials used in the café’s construction, as well as its ongoing recycling efforts.

Workers applying the maple veneer mural to the cafe's exterior in Carrier lobby.

Carrier Library’s Starbucks has many uniquely sourced items in the store that all speak to the sustainable nature of the LEED certification. Shannon White Hardin, Starbucks store design manager, provided this list of the café’s features.

Antique hickory wainscotting on the interior walls, made of reclaimed wood from Mountain Lumber Company in Richmond.
Regional stone veneer: “Brandywine” stone from the Shenandoah Valley, purchased through Independence Antique Brick Company in Pennsylvania.
Burlap wall covering. Hardin notes that coffee is shipped and stored in burlap bags, making it a part of the company’s coffee heritage.
Limestone tile in the prep-area flooring and the backbar tile. Limestone is a natural material found regionally.
The café’s exterior logo, visible in the Carrier lobby, is printed on real maple veneer wall covering, a natural wood product with vegetable-based inks.
Raw tectum suspended ceiling soffits (clouds) for sound absorption are made of sustainable, domestic raw materials including Forest Stewardship Council certified wood excelsior.
Casework is made of 1-1/4” Medex substrate with either a natural wood veneer, a solid FSC certified wood, a recycled granite top, or paperstone (100% recycled office paper).
This Starbucks also has a custom recycling station. In addition, coffee grounds are available free to customers for composting.
The café’s furniture was made primarily in Tennessee and North Carolina. The custom banquette was made by Furniture Lab, the custom wood tables by The Old Wood Company (both from North Carolina), and seating for both are from Shelby Williams out of Morristown, TN. Regional materials mean a smaller carbon footprint, with less fuel expended in shipping.
The Old Wood Company’s café tables are made of reclaimed wood (white oak) and treated with all natural, water or vegetable-based sealers (soy, liming wax, etc.)
Fabrics have 100% post-consumer recycled content or are made of all natural materials like 100% wool or 100% linen.
Starbucks’ lighting is energy efficient, with pooled light over study and work area.
A JMU recycle mug will soon be available for sale, to cut down on the use of disposable containers.

Starbucks also will be soliciting artwork by JMU students, which will be an important element to the store’s design. Obtaining local artwork is part of the LEED initiative, as well: those items won’t add to the carbon footprint because no shipping will be involved in getting them to the site. Hardin has already seen some artwork she wants to use in the store: “One of my favorite pieces that I am interested in using is made of reclaimed elements and keeps with the tone of the store’s design, and other pieces use natural materials,” Hardin said.

For more information on Starbucks LEED certification can be found on this DukeDog TV video.