BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Maines Paper & Food Service, which operates six MaineSource stores, has opened its first LEED-certified green grocery store in Ithaca, N.Y.
The MaineSource store received LEED Silver Certification, which was established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute.
"As the first LEED-certified grocery store in the greater Fingerlakes region, MaineSource has set a standard for other grocery retailers to follow," said Tracie Hall, executive director of the USGBC NY Upstate Chapter, in a statement.
"Being green is more than a trend; it's a value that Maines strives to put into action through innovative, eco-conscious programs and initiatives," said Christopher Mellon, president and chief executive officer of Maines Paper & Food Service. "MaineSource is committed to making green-minded decisions and seeking out green products, services, and programs like LEED."