Sept. 24, 2008 - Outdoor gear retailer REI is set to open its second green-prototype store as a testing ground for environmentally preferable building materials and technologies.

The newly constructed store in Round Rock, Texas, is expected to consume 48% less energy than a typical store, according to REI.

The Round Rock location is the second store to participate in the retailer's green-prototype initiative, in which findings from the "working laboratory" will help the company determine how it approaches green building design and construction in the future. The company re-opened its pilot prototype, a green retrofit of an existing store, in Boulder, Colo., earlier this year.

"Round Rock will allow us to continue to test innovative green building concepts many of which are new to the company and all of which will help us reduce our environmental footprint," says Dean Iwata, REI's director of store development. "We recognize the potential in utilizing energy efficient technology in our facilities, whether we're constructing a new store or making the most out of a location that's been operating for years."

Green features of the Round Rock store include:

A building integrated photovoltaic system, which will generate 13% of the store's electricity and heat 70% of the store's water. Solar tubes that diffuse natural light, offsetting electrical consumption by an additional 5%. Controls that monitor and regulate HVAC, saving 25% of energy consumption. A "cool" roof designed to reflect the sun's radiation, lessening the store's need for air conditioning by 10% to 15% percent. Water-efficient plumbing fixtures, which reduce water usage by 30%.

REI says that over the coming year it will examine the environmental and financial performance of its first two prototype stores to lay the groundwork for a third green location.

For a comprehensive summary of REI Round Rock's green building features, click here.