Recreational Equipment Inc. will open a new store today that will serve as a green building prototype for future retail construction.

JCPenney and Office Depot also recently announced similar moves at a time when a recently released survey indicates that 66 percent of retailers have begun either undertaking or investing in environmentally friendly business practices.

REI is no exception. In August, the company began marketing an eco-sensitive product line for items that boast a lower environmental impact.

Its new Boulder store will serve as a prototype of green building practices that are meant to earn LEED-Silver certification for commercial interiors. It includes passive solar, solar thermal and solar electric strategies, as well as sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled rubber and cork.

The prototype is a remodel of an existing store that originally was one of the company's 20 locations powered by green energy. REI expanded into the vacant space next door to offer more products. It also includes an elevated community center large enough for 80 people that will be utilized by non-profits and clubs.

"REI challenged us to raise the bar in terms of how their store and brand experience could better serve the community and address their goals to reduce the company's environment footprint," said Project Design Director Ted Jacobs of Gensler, REI's partner for the project. "The resulting design delivers a sense of community for both REI members and non-members, and reflects REI's leadership in environmental design and commitment to responsible retailing."