Dunkin’ Donuts has broken ground on its St. Petersburg, Fla, store, which will become the company’s first LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building when it opens in September.
LEED certification is the recognized standard for "green" construction in the U.S., and it outlines a rating system that determines what constitutes a “green” or LEED-certified building. The criteria focus on sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation and design.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the LEED system, which is a voluntary point-based rating system.
While it’s the first Dunkin’ Donuts LEED-certified restaurant, the new store is part of the company’s greater Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to provide a central frame of reference for organizational decisions, strategic goal setting, and behaviors that respect key stakeholders, including consumers, employees, franchisees, communities, suppliers, government and the environment, the company said.
"At Dunkin’ Brands, our values guide everything we do," Dunkin CEO and President Jon Luther said. "Responsibility is one of our seven core values and that includes responsibility to the environment and the communities in which we operate. By building our first LEED-certified Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in St. Petersburg, we look forward to being a vibrant part of the community and playing an important role in the daily lives of the people who live and work here. And, if we can operate in a way that reduces our environmental footprint by reinforcing our core values, we are playing a small, but very important role in making the world a better place to both work and live."
Dunkin’ Donuts leaders believe the green building principles being incorporated into the St. Petersburg location can create a prototype for green construction projects, and it will enhance future building models.
The restaurant, which will look like the Dunkin’ Donuts flagship model design, will have numerous LEED enhancements, including:
"We are extremely excited to be a part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ first LEED certified restaurant here in St. Petersburg," said franchisee Robert Aziz. "Dunkin’ Donuts is more than just a stop for something to eat and drink, it’s a daily ritual for millions of people who depend on Dunkin’ to get them through their day. We’re not just bringing people faster, more affordable food and beverage choices – we’re going to do it in a way that is environmentally friendly for the people who live and work in St. Petersburg."
The LEED certified restaurant is a significant step in Dunkin Brands’ ongoing and increasing commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility platform, which covers four main pillars: Philanthropic, Social, Economic and Environmental.