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The neighborhood center includes several unique “green” elements:

LOW-EMITTING VEHICLE PARKING

Publix at Bee Ridge will feature 11 parking spaces reserved for Low-Emitting Vehicles. Situated in preferred locations throughout the shopping center, LEV parking is reserved for vehicles with a Green Rating of 40 or higher in accordance with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Is your car green? Natural gas and hybrid cars are not the only green cars on the road. Check-out Greener Cars to see if your gasoline powered automobile ranks among the top green cars.

Do your part to preserve our environment. Even if your car does not have a Green Rating, there is still much you can do to protect our natural resources. Greener Cars shares Green Driving Tips that everyone can adopt.

RECLAIM WATER USES

Publix at Bee Ridge is implementing water conserving initiatives to reduce its impact on our most precious natural resource. Reclaim water uses and water conserving systems are vital to the preservation of our water supply. Here are a few ways Publix at Bee Ridge is making a difference:

Landscape and Irrigation: The shopping center will save over 600,000 gallons of reclaimed water per year by installing native species and drought tolerant plant material. All irrigation will use 100% reclaimed water provided by the County.

Building Use: Publix at Bee Ridge is minimizing the impact on potable water by providing each tenant with its own separate water line from the reclaim water system which will be used for all non-potable functions such as toilet flushing.

Low-Flow Fixtures: To reduce water flow and minimize water consumption, each tenant space will utilize low-flow lavatories and dual flush toilets which allow for two different flush rates based upon use. Faucets with motion sensors will eliminate water waste through misuse or operator error.

Make small changes in your daily life to save water. Visit Water Use It Wisely for a complete list of tips to conserve water.

SMART LIGHTING SOLUTIONS

According to the US Department of Energy, 22% of electricity used in the United States powers lighting. With soaring energy prices and a growing concern about environmental sustainability, energy efficiency is more important than ever. Publix at Bee Ridge utilizes the following energy efficient lighting solutions:

Parking: LED parking fixtures require 40% less electricity than a traditional solution. In accordance with the Sarasota County Green Building Program, dark sky fixtures are installed to eliminate the amount of light directed upward to the night sky.

Publix: An energy management system monitors the skylights and fluorescent lighting in Publix. The system maintains a consistent light level by adjusting the fluorescent lights to supplement natural light.

Retail Shops: A photocell senses light levels based on the natural light from skylights and windows. Based on the levels set by tenants, the system maintains consistent light by adjusting the fluorescent lights to supplement natural light.

Exterior Lighting: The exterior lighting control system ensures adequate lighting during active, business hours. A photocell senses light levels so that lights are turned on when available natural light is below the set point. A timer ensures that the lighting is on and off when needed. After business hours, exterior lighting is reduced to a level designed to maintain a safe environment.

Benefit from energy efficient lighting. Visit Energy Star for complete information on energy efficient lighting.