Earth Day takes on a new meaning as Dunkin’ Donuts starts construction on its newest green building.
Dunkin’ Donuts continues its commitment to sustainable building this Earth Day by breaking ground on its third “green” restaurant in Edgewater, Fla.
This will be the third sustainable collaboration between Dunkin’ and Aziz Company since 2008. All three restaurants have been meticulously planned to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact, with positive impact to the bottom line.
The first restaurant, built in 2008, focused on energy efficiency and achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The second restaurant, built in 2010, added an expanded water-savings strategy and achieved LEED Gold certification. The latest building will incorporate the best of both, plus enhanced community involvement in the building process and will submit for LEED certification upon completion.
During the Edgewater restaurant construction, a smartphone station will be available to encourage community members to take their own photos, which will be included in a video about the project.
The new location’s green attributes will include:
• Energy-efficient LED lighting
• Insulated concrete foam walls
• Highly reflective hardscapes and roofing
• Sophisticated energy monitoring system
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Rainwater harvesting system for landscape irrigation
• Healthy interior finishes
• Re-usable beverage mug program and paper cup option for hot beverages
• Food donation initiative
• Coffee ground composting in partnership with local farmers
Many green attributes from Dunkin’ Donuts three LEED certification projects have also been incorporated into building specifications as standard for all new U.S. restaurants, including low-flow faucets, LED-illuminated signage and insulated glass.
This article originally appeared on Mother Nature Network.
