Dive Brief:
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Dunkin’ Donuts launched a green building certification to encourage new franchisees to build energy-efficient restaurants.
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The coffee-and-doughnut chain aims to certify 100 new, sustainable restaurants by the end of 2016. Dunkin Donuts is kicking off the project with the unveiling of its first "DD Green" restaurant in Long Beach, CA.
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To qualify for the designation and earn the right to display a “DD Green” plaque, the store will have to use sustainable building strategies to mitigate construction pollution; recycle waste; install LED fixtures and water-saving plumbing; use zero-VOC paint; and train employees to operate their restaurants in an environmentally friendly manner.
Dive Insight:
More businesses are engaging in public efforts to build and operate more efficiently, which can save money in the long run and bolster public approval—and therefore sales.
Dunkin’ Donuts has said its new certification program will help the chain reach its long-term environmental targets.