Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai wins top environmental design award

Since its inception two years ago, Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai has become a landmark for local coffee lovers.

Amid celebrations and honors marking the store's second anniversary this month, one of the most valued awards is a new LEED Platinum plague, which recognizes its efforts at environmental sustainability.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green certification program for building design, construction, operations and maintenance awarded by the United States Green Building Council. Platinum is the highest level of certification, awarded to only one in 10 LEED certified buildings.

The roastery is the first food retailer on the Chinese mainland to be certified LEED Platinum.

According to the company, the store reduces the use of natural resources with its smart light system, improved air filtration system and eco-friendly construction materials. For example, it can save enough electricity from the use of natural lighting and intelligent lighting to power 350 streetlights a year.

Apart from hardware, the store also uses paper straws, encourages customers to bring their own cups and recycles coffee waste, among other measures.