Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of DD Green™, our very own certification program designed to help us build sustainable and energy efficient Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. In conjunction with this announcement, we’re celebrating the grand opening of a DD Green-certified Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in Long Beach, California. In addition to this location, we will be working with franchisees and construction managers to build 100 new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants that are DD Green Certified by the end of 2016.
My passion for creating the DD Green program came from my love for sustainability. I realize how important it is and believe that as business professionals, we owe it to our planet to do everything possible to improve it. My years in the food industry, background as a licensed architect and as a LEED accredited professional, gave me the tools and know-how to put a unique program like this together.
What is DD Green?
DD Green provides a framework for our franchisees to build restaurants that are more energy- and water-efficient, healthier and reduce landfill waste. Because DD Green was designed solely for our restaurants, we were able to create requirements that address energy and water reduction, health and the environment in a unique way.
A store that has been awarded the DD Green Achievement will look and feel just like a typical Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant, but behind-the-scenes will be different. Some required elements of a DD Green store may be visible to our guests like regionally friendly landscaping, LED light fixtures, low flow performance plumbing fixtures, but most are not like a highly efficient HVAC system, zero VOC interior paints, etc. Most importantly, what sets DD Green apart from other certification programs is that we will have ongoing check-ins to ensure that our DD Green restaurants stay DD Green.
Our partners at Mother Nature Network provides an extensive and interactive overview of our DD Green requirements, all of which can be viewed here.
How will I know if my store is DD Green?
Look out for the DD Green plaque! When a store achieves DD Green standards, they will display an in-store plaque stating the achievement in energy reduction and sustainable design. DD Green stores can achieve two levels through the program: DD Green and DD Green Elite.
Where can I get more information on DD Green?
We can’t wait to keep you updated on this exciting new program! To hear more about DD Green, check out Mother Nature Network's interactive overview of our DD Green requirements. You can also follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest information!
