On Tuesday, June 30, the University Village store (located in Seattle, WA) reopened after an extensive renovation.  Capitalizing on a long scheduled renovation, the University Village location also underwent many changes to increase environmental efficiency, incorporate local recycled elements and apply for LEED® certification- all of which supports our Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ commitment to environmental stewardship.

As with many of our store designs, there are several ideas that comprise the larger coffeehouse story. Many of the design elements were driven by the desire to incorporate material reuse, energy conservation and waste diversion. A few of these features are new to this store, others we’ve been executing for some time now.  Regardless, we’re so excited to share them with our customers; we’ve captured each one on metal “icons” and sprinkled them throughout the store. 

The next time you visit the University Village store, take some time to experience these innovative sustainable features:

Material Reuse:
• The slate for the menu boards was recycled from Garfield High School.
• The redwood siding on the exterior of this store was reclaimed from hop-vine poles in Eastern Washington.
• The burlap coffee bags on this wall are repurposed from a Starbucks Roasting Plant in the Seattle area.
• The ash for this table was salvaged from a fallen tree in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood.
• The Douglas fir in these wall fixtures was reclaimed from school bleachers. 
• The merbau wood on the exterior entrance mats was reclaimed from existing buildings.
• The structure of this bar incorporates sustainable elements such as reclaimed and recycled materials.
• The Douglas fir in these cabinets was reclaimed from school bleachers.
• The countertop on this bar contains 85% recycled content.
• This informational piece utilizes recycled slate from Garfield High School as well as salvaged metal and wood from the Seattle area.
• The leather on the face of this bar is scrap leather obtained from shoe and automobile factories.
• The metal panels on this community wall were repurposed from old espresso machines.
• The wall tile in this store’s restrooms contains 40% recycled material.

Energy:
• To help reduce our energy needs, this store uses more efficient LED and CFL bulbs.

Waster Diversion:
• The previous flooring in this store was recycled rather than thrown away.
• During construction, over 80% of the waste was diverted from the landfill. Wood, metals and concrete were reused or recycled.

Indoor Air Quality:
• We carefully selected paints, finishes and adhesives that will not interfere with the aroma of our coffee.

Recycle:
• Thank you for helping us reduce waste and care for our planet by recycling.

Greening Our Stores:
• Beginning in late 2010, every new company operated store we open will be LEED certified. The U.S. Green Building Council certifies LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Hand Dryer:
• Using these energy-efficient hand dryers substantially reduces paper towel consumption.

Water:
• We are significantly reducing our use of water with these dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets.
• The new dipper well (sanitizing sink) in this store provides signifi cant water savings while adhering to health department requirements.

Mugs:
• By using one of our for-here mugs or bringing in your own, you can help us reduce waste and take care of the planet.

Natural Materials:
• The interior entrance mats contain 100% recycled material.

Stop by and let us know what you think.  For those of you who live in the area, join us for the grand reopening party tomorrow (July 10)!