We believe good business can and should be environmentally and socially responsible. Our redevelopment of a landfill into a sustainable retail and recreation center is a tangible demonstration of this belief.
Redeveloping Landfill
We'd been using the Allen Park (Mich.) Clay Mine Landfill for our industrial waste since the 1950s. As it neared capacity, we carefully considered how to return the land to productive use serving the needs of the community. We decided on a retail and recreational center named "Fairlane Green."
Fairlane Green sets a new standard for responsible land use and development. In all, nearly two-thirds of the 243-acre site will be natural green space, including a 43-acre park and 3.5 miles of trails.
Fairlane Green will provide an area destination for dining, shopping and recreation. The economic benefits are equally important, as the site adds a valuable tax base and approximately 2,000 jobs.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Some of the sustainable and environmental features of Fairlane Green include the following:
- A 43-acre park and 3.5 miles of trails around the site
- Site irrigation is provided from storm water retention ponds rather than municipal water supplies
- Bio-swales and wetland-type detention ponds manage storm water and create natural habitat for birds and other wildlife
- Green screens, hedgerows and prairie-style landscaping green the site and provide wildlife habitat
- White reflective roofing and high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment reduce the site's energy consumption
Sustainable Retail
Tenants of Fairlane Green are encouraged to pursue environmental sustainability within their buildings.
For example, in addition to sustainable elements found at all Target stores, such as white roof membranes and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, the Fairlane Green Target store will include several innovative environmental sustainability features. More than 250 skylights will save energy by allowing light fixtures to be turned off when conditions allow natural daylight to illuminate the sales floor, and a cistern on the roof recycles rainwater.
Green Certification
The first phase of Fairlane Green has been awarded Gold certification as a "green" site through the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The USGBC is a public/private consortium of building industry leaders and its LEED rating system is the national standard for evaluating green buildings.
Other LEED-certified buildings Ford helped develop include the Premier Automotive Group's North American Headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and the Ford Rouge Visitor Center and Product Review Center in Dearborn, Mich.
