LOUISVILLE Ky. Yum! Brands Inc. said Thursday that a KFC-Taco Bell restaurant in Northampton, Mass., is the company’s first to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification.
Opened in December 2008, the restaurant is designed to use 30 percent less energy and water than a conventional building, and reduce waste and carbon dioxide emissions.
Among the features intended to reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint are the use of solar energy to heat air, a lighting control system that maximizes use of natural light, LED lights and energy-efficient kitchen equipment. To conserve water, the restaurant boasts fixtures with lower consumption rates as well as systems to harvest rainwater for irrigation and a rain garden with filters.
In addition, the restaurant’s countertops and insulation contain recycled content and its wood was sustainably harvested. And to reduce waste, the restaurant composts, recycles and reclaims used cooking oil.
“We’re thrilled that the Northampton KFC-Taco Bell has been granted LEED Gold certification,” said Jonathan Balas, the KFC project architect who spearheaded the project. “The certification fuels our passion and commitment to researching green building solutions and sets an example of what is possible for the restaurant industry. This building is our first step in this important effort.”
LEED is a nationally recognized and independent system that measures the environmental performance of buildings. LEED certification is determined by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Based in Louisville, Yum, parent to the KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Long John Silver’s brands, has more than 36,000 restaurants in 110 countries.
Contact Robin Lee Allen at [email protected]