Green big boxes

Rona, the Canadian DIY retail group, is planning two new additions to its Réno-Dépôt trading format, the name under which it so far has 16 stores in operation in Quebec. The company is investing a total of around C $ 50 mio in the stores, which will each be more than 9 000 m² in size. Openings are planned for the spring and summer of 2011. Since the two stores are aiming to achieve LEED environmental certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), they are being built with certified timber and locally sourced building materials. They feature additional heat insulation and energy-saving technology in the areas of lighting and heating. Bike stands and showers are designed to motivate members of staff to make the journey to work either by bike or on foot.