Selling an average of 30 cups of coffee each second, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s largest retailer of coffee-by-the-cup and also the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chain.

In May of this year, Dunkin’ Donuts launched their “green” initiative through the opening of their first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in St. Petersburg. This may be the start of a green movement for food franchises to be environmentally committed with both their food products and their franchise store construction.

In fact, a “green” commitment can be financially beneficial for franchisees through long-term cost savings. For example, the LEED certification implies the franchise building meets the strict requirement for energy efficient insulation and lighting, water efficient infrastructure, waste management, recycling and air quality issues. This will not only save money in the long-term, but it also presents the food franchise as being corporate social responsible which will be smiled upon from all of America’s coffee drinkers and baked good eaters.