Happy Feet Plus
Clearwater, FL

LEED Certification Level: Gold
Date Certified: October 15, 2004
Area: 6,000 Square Feet
* First retail structure in the United States to achieve LEED Gold certification

Happy Feet Plus is a retailer that sells comfortable and healthy shoes throughout Florida. All Happy Feet Plus stores are constructed using double-paned, energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, non-volatile organic compound (VOC) flooring, low-VOC interior paints, and all locations recycle paper, newsprint, cardboard, glass, and plastics.

The company’s commitment to environmental awareness and “green” living was highlighted when the retail facility was designed and constructed according to standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. The Clearwater store was the first retail structure in the nation to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Built using sustainable and recycled materials, the building features:

• Formed, insulated concrete walls, providing R-54 insulation (R-19 is normal)
• Glass block and double-paned windows for insulated, natural light
• Roof gutters collect rain water for a 5,000 gallon cistern (irrigation/toilet flushing)
• Energy Star rated metal roof with Tectum decking, providing R-30 insulation
• Freon-free air conditioning; ceiling fans for better air circulation
• Drought-resistant native plants
• Solar panels
• Energy-efficient full-spectrum lighting
• Crushed shell and pervious concrete parking lot
• No-VOC paints and stains
• Porcelain flooring with no-VOC grout