Walgreens has become a leader in solar technology and green initiatives. In July 2012, 80% of its stores switched to linear fluorescent fixtures that are more energy efficient and lamps that make displays appear more vivid. This year in June, it announced plans to install solar systems at 200 stores across several states, bringing its solar-powered store total to about 350.  The program was developed through a partnership with Chicago-based solar developer SoCore Energy, which will own, operate and maintain them. The newest installations will be in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.  In 5,000 locations Walgreens stores use LED cooler/freezer lighting, low watt fluorescent bulbs and energy management systems.

Now, Walgreens has opened what it calls the nation’s first net zero energy retail store in Evanston, IL. Through a combination of 850 solar panels, two wind turbines, and a geothermal system buried deep below the ground, engineers expect the new store to produce equal or greater energy than it consumes. In addition to the above specifications, the new store plans to generate electricity while also reducing its consumption by using LED lighting and daylight harvesting, energy efficient building materials and carbon dioxide refrigerant for heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment. 15 Walgreens distribution centers have already achieved ‘net zero’ waste, meaning recycling revenues exceed waste expenses.

The store is seeking platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council LEED program; Walgreens already operates two stores with LEED’s gold certification. According to Chain Store Guide’s 2013 Drug Industry Market Share Report, Walgreens continues to dominate in the Chicago metro core-based statistical area (CBSA).

CHICAGO-JOLIET-NAPERVILLE, IL-IN-WI

Metro CBSA

Company Name

Area Stores with RX Department

Area RX Market Share

Walgreen Company: DEERFIELD, IL

494

51.3%

CVS Caremark Corp.: WOONSOCKET, RI

200

21.8%

Albertson’s LLC: BOISE, ID

157

6.8%

Walmart Stores Inc.: BENTONVILLE, AR

72

5.6%

Safeway Inc.: PLEASANTON, CA

67

3.6%

Target Corporation: MINNEAPOLIS, MN

78

3.1%

Kmart Corp.: HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL

26

1.1%

Sam’s Club: BENTONVILLE, AR

19

1.0%

Meijer Inc.: GRAND RAPIDS, MI

16

1.0%

Costco Wholesale Corp.: ISSAQUAH, WA

18

0.9%

Fagen Pharmacy: DEMOTTE, IN

19

0.7%

Doc’s Drugs Ltd.: BRAIDWOOD, IL

6

0.4%

Other operations

84

2.7%

Source: Chain Store Guide’s 2013 Drug Industry Market Share Report