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The BriarPatch Co-op and Natural Foods Community Market is expected to soon break ground on its new store in Grass Valley.
In partnership with property owners Calloway Development, BriarPatch will incorporate sustainable and ecological design measures in the building’s construction to create a “green” store.
They hope to open it on May 1, 2007. Groundbreaking is set for May 16.
The new building, which will be near the roundabout on Sierra College Drive, is likely the first in western Nevada County to be certified as “green” by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
“Natural food and respect for the natural environment go hand-in-hand,” said BriarPatch general manager Paul Harton. “We celebrate our 30-year anniversary in 2006, and our commitment to construct a ‘LEED certified building’ is a great way to fulfill the part of our mission that goes beyond selling healthful foods.”
Buildings consume 40 percent of the energy used in the United States, according to project architect Jeff Gold of Nevada City.
In partnership with property owners Calloway Development, BriarPatch will incorporate sustainable and ecological design measures in the building’s construction to create a “green” store.
They hope to open it on May 1, 2007. Groundbreaking is set for May 16.
The new building, which will be near the roundabout on Sierra College Drive, is likely the first in western Nevada County to be certified as “green” by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.
“Natural food and respect for the natural environment go hand-in-hand,” said BriarPatch general manager Paul Harton. “We celebrate our 30-year anniversary in 2006, and our commitment to construct a ‘LEED certified building’ is a great way to fulfill the part of our mission that goes beyond selling healthful foods.”
Buildings consume 40 percent of the energy used in the United States, according to project architect Jeff Gold of Nevada City.
“Building a LEED ‘green’ building is a commitment to a smarter, more conscious way,” he said.
The building will be designed to be highly energy efficient with water and lighting and waste recycling. It will use local and regional materials and renewable and sustainable materials.
“We even look at what energy goes into manufacturing our materials, how far away they are coming from — 300 miles and not 5,000 miles. The concrete panels are coming from Redding, for example. And we’re using 75 percent recycled glass for the counter tops,” Harton said. “The heat that comes off the refrigeration units will heat the hot water and help heat the store in the winter.
“It may cost a little more up front, but over the long run we will save money. We’ll have signs up to educate the customers and an education program on how it is built,” Harton said.
The new store will also have 100 employees, which is 40 more than the current store employs.
“Our staff is trained and knowledgeable,” Harton said. “You don’t know what to do with tofu? Or what to eat on a non-wheat diet? We can help.”
The location of the new building, near Nevada Union High School and Sierra College, also contributes to the “green” concept. Shoppers can walk to the store, and it will be near a new bus stop and a bike path.
The BriarPatch’s partner in this endeavor hopes the project sends an important message to the community.
“This is the first project like this we’ve done. One of our missions is to set an example for the community and make it real to other builders and developers,” said Greg Francis, of Callaway Development. “An energy efficient building saves energy for the users. It pays back, not to mention the sustainability.”
The building will be designed to be highly energy efficient with water and lighting and waste recycling. It will use local and regional materials and renewable and sustainable materials.
“We even look at what energy goes into manufacturing our materials, how far away they are coming from — 300 miles and not 5,000 miles. The concrete panels are coming from Redding, for example. And we’re using 75 percent recycled glass for the counter tops,” Harton said. “The heat that comes off the refrigeration units will heat the hot water and help heat the store in the winter.
“It may cost a little more up front, but over the long run we will save money. We’ll have signs up to educate the customers and an education program on how it is built,” Harton said.
The new store will also have 100 employees, which is 40 more than the current store employs.
“Our staff is trained and knowledgeable,” Harton said. “You don’t know what to do with tofu? Or what to eat on a non-wheat diet? We can help.”
The location of the new building, near Nevada Union High School and Sierra College, also contributes to the “green” concept. Shoppers can walk to the store, and it will be near a new bus stop and a bike path.
The BriarPatch’s partner in this endeavor hopes the project sends an important message to the community.
“This is the first project like this we’ve done. One of our missions is to set an example for the community and make it real to other builders and developers,” said Greg Francis, of Callaway Development. “An energy efficient building saves energy for the users. It pays back, not to mention the sustainability.”
Design and building features
• Sustainable site - walking accessible from schools and businesses, bus stop, bike racks, water retention pond• Water efficiency - native plant landscaping, electronic sensor faucets.
• Energy and Atmosphere - natural light, highly insulated, photovoltaic panels, solar energy, timers and sensors
• Materials and resources - recycling construction waste, recycled materials, renewable, local and regional materials, recycling
• Indoor environmental quality - non-toxic paints, carpets, adhesives, sealants, natural lighting
