Alliant helps Hy-Vee seek LEED status for new store

Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, is helping Hy-Vee continue a commitment to being energy efficient, with the new store in Fairfield.

The building opened in 2011, and is saving energy and money every day by using the latest in energy-efficient technology and building methods.

This store in Fairfield is Hy-Vee?s second store built in accordance with LEED standards. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance ?green? buildings. Hy-Vee is in the process of pursuing LEED certification with this building.

?We?re always trying to find ways to be more efficient, because we know efficiency is good for our company, our customers, and our environment,? said Daniel Willrich, the architect at Hy-Vee.

Some of the energy saving features on this building includes a white roof, to reflect heat, controls that dim lights when not needed, and special units to provide refrigeration. In all, because Hy-Vee worked with Alliant Energy on the design of this building from the start, it uses about 28 percent less electricity, and 5 percent less natural gas than a building simply built to code, without the energy-saving techniques. In addition to the energy savings, this project qualified for an incentive of $76,000 through Alliant Energy?s Commercial New Construction Program.

This building is just one of the latest ways people in Fairfield are working to save energy. In April 2012, the community kicked off its participation in Alliant Energy?s Hometown Rewards program. It provides opportunities for residents to work together to save energy for a common goal. If the people of Fairfield achieve their energy-savings goals, Alliant Energy will help fund new solar panels for a city building.

?This building from Hy-Vee shows what?s possible when it comes to saving energy,? said Laurie Appleget, Alliant Energy key account manager. ?It shows how working together can make a difference.?

Alliant Energy offers the Commercial New Construction program to assist owners and design teams in evaluating potential energy conservation strategies for new and renovated building projects. The customer, project design team and utility personnel work together from the start of the conceptual design. They use building performance simulation modeling to identify and implement cost-effective energy efficiency approaches that improve the overall energy efficiency of a building. To qualify, the enhancements must create energy savings at least 15 percent greater than projected energy use though building standards required through the Iowa building code.

The Commercial New Construction program can be utilized for new commercial buildings and major remodeling projects. It is available to Alliant Energy retail electric and gas customers located in its Iowa service territory. For more information on Alliant Energy?s Commercial New Construction program, visit alliantenergy.com/newconstruction or call 866-ALLIANT (866-255-4268).