JOLIET Ill. A Denny’s franchisee here is building what is described as the first unit in the family restaurant chain to qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, a distinction for what many describe as a “green building.”
The store is expected to feature efficiency-rated equipment; a roof and wall insulation that conserves heating and cooling energy by maintaining the interior temperature; and natural lighting from south-facing windows and ceiling skylights. The restaurant also will feature LED lighting, low-flow toilets and faucets to reduce water consumption, and a computerized deep-fryer that will control the heating of the oil and the amount of gas used for frying food.
The LEED-certified restaurant’s dining room will be constructed of recycled materials, including flooring, and low VOC paints, sealants and glue.
According to franchisee Joey Allen Terrell, the savings on the fryer alone will amount to $4,000 per year. Additionally, the city of Joliet gave Terrell a 30-percent discount on permit fees for building the green store.
“What is important is educating people and blazing a trail that others can follow,” Terrell said. “These [improvements] are low-hanging fruit items, things anyone can do at little or no cost. I did not want to miss an opportunity to É save our planet and the Earth for our grandkids.”