Verizon Wireless Communications Stores Certified Green for Earth Day and Every Day

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless said today that nearly 60 of the company's Communications Stores have been recognized for energy efficiency, up from 32 stores in 2009.  To date, 59 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores have been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) prestigious ENERGY STAR® certification, the highest number for any wireless retailer.  Two newly constructed Communications Stores were among the first in the nation to apply for and receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), joining the company's headquarters in Basking Ridge, N.J., with this certification.  

EPA's ENERGY STAR

The EPA's ENERGY STAR energy performance rating system provides a one to 100 point scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide.  A building that scores a rating of 75 or higher and occupies 5,000 square feet or more is eligible for the ENERGY STAR.  Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  

LEED Certification

Two Verizon Wireless evolution stores in the western United States have been GOLD Certified by the USGBC's LEED – Commercial Interiors rating system.  The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.  The stores' design optimizes water and energy use, enhances indoor environmental quality and reduces waste through specifications and responsible procurement and construction practices.  Additional Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout the country are currently applying for LEED Certification.  

To make Communications Stores more energy efficient, Verizon Wireless utilizes:

• ENERGY STAR equipment
• Efficient lighting  
• Efficient HVAC systems
• Energy management and monitoring systems
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Environmentally friendly finishes
• Recycled content products
• Construction and operating waste reduction

These environmentally responsible characteristics play a key role to help Verizon Wireless Communications Stores reduce waste and emissions and conserve resources.  

HopeLine

All Verizon Wireless Communications Stores have HopeLine® phone collection bins, making it easy for shoppers to help the environment and survivors of domestic violence.  All donated phones and equipment are either refurbished or recycled, with the funds from the sale of refurbished phones used to provide cash grants, wireless phones and airtime to non-profit domestic violence agencies for use by survivors.  Through HopeLine, more than 7 million phones have been collected and either refurbished or properly disposed of in an environmentally sound way.  For additional information about Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program and store locations, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

For additional information about Verizon Wireless' Green Initiatives, visit http://aboutus.vzw.com/Green_Initiative/overview.html.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless