Vestar Development Co. is now testing new LEED guidelines for retail establishments as part of a pilot program with the U.S. Green Building Council.

The company announced the news last week as part of its GreenStar committment to sustainable development of retail space in the Southwest. Vestar, with several million square feet of retail space in the pipeline, plans to seek LEED certification for new projects to reduce water and energy consumption, waste and carbon dioxide emissions.

The company’s first project under the new initiative is the Oro Valley Marketplace north of Tuscon, followed by others in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. Current projects will undergo evaluation for possible retrofits.

"GreenStar is an extension of our corporate commitment to create projects that have a positive impact on the surrounding community," said Vestar Executive Vice President David Larcher. "Vestar has had a 20-year commitment to responsible development and with advancements in green building materials and the availability for retail applications, we are eager to blaze a new trail for responsible retail development."