Dunkin’ Donuts launches green building certification for its restaurants

Dunkin Donuts has launched a green building certification program to help franchisees build sustainable, energy-efficient restaurants. The company says it will work with franchisees and construction managers to build 100 new certified restaurants by the end of 2016.

To be recognized as a DD Green restaurant, franchisees, construction managers and architects will follow a five-stage program during planning, design, and construction. Those that meet the DD Green criteria will display a DD Green plaque inside the store.

The program includes site development, store efficiency, healthy indoors, sustainable operations and innovation, and community. Each stage includes guidance and metrics that focus on sustainable strategies such as: mitigation of construction pollution and waste recycling, installation of energy-efficient LED light fixtures, mechanical units, and water-saving plumbing fixtures. The standards also pertain to implementation of healthy environments with indoor air quality management and use of zero-VOC paints and a required sustainable building operations training for employees.

Franchisees can achieve two different levels within the program, DD Green, where stores meet minimum sustainable requirements, and DD Green Elite, where stores reach additional suggested goals. UL Environment reviewed the DD Green achievement program structure.

(http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/12/10/dunkin-donuts-launches-green-building-certification-for-restaurants/)