Roger Deslauriers, a DD franchise owner and operator, and his family business partners have made history with the first solar-powered quick service restaurant in the US. In addition to the store at South Main Street in Attleboro, Roger and his family have also implemented solar-electrical power at their stores on County Street in Attleboro and Winthrop Street in Rehoboth.

On May 1, the Deslauriers family hosted an event at the South Main Street store unveiling the green technologies and celebrating the family’s 50th year in the Dunkin’ Donuts business. Attendees were intrigued and impressed by the Green Vue™ monitor that details the ongoing environmental benefits of the technologies in use. The “ribbon cutting”/celebratory event drew representatives from local and state politics, Dunkin’ Brands, green technology businesses and the DDIFO.

“I had no preconceived notion as to what to expect from this event, because I’ve never been involved in anything like this before, but I think it went very well,” said Deslauriers.

Art Krebs, CEO of Construction Art, a DDIFO Associate Member specializing in green building technologies, and the lead green consultant on the Deslauriers projects was equally pleased. “I think it was a great turnout. We had a lot of dignitaries attend and Dunkin’ Brands representatives as well,” said Krebs. “It seems like Roger’s efforts are now being given the right credit and attention.”

In his remarks during the event, State Senator Jim Timilty commented, “We’ve talked over the course of my four or five years in the Massachusetts senate about getting to a much better and greener world. Certainly over last couple of years, and with the passage of the Green Communities Act, we’ve looked and hoped, and the first tangible evidence of that significant act … is right here in my district … I just want to congratulate you.”

With the use of solar power and other green technologies (such as solar water heating, automatic faucets, motion sensor lights and energy efficient Dyson hand dryers), in fewer than 60 days, the South Main Street store reduced its carbon footprint by 4,555 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the energy it takes to power 40 houses for one day. It also reduced pollution by a factor equal to driving a car for 159 days in a row. These results are as good as the effects of planting 20 trees.

Over the next year, all three stores combined will eliminate the generation of more than 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide – which is equivalent to the energy used to power 6,000 houses for a day – and reduce pollution on a scale equal to driving a car more than 4.5 million miles. These outcomes are on a par with planting nearly 5,000 trees. Also, the new water control systems in the stores will reduce water consumption by more than 35,000 gallons annually.

“We are so happy that Roger, a franchisee who grew up in the Dunkin’ family and whose father was a pioneer … is now serving as a pioneering model for the rest of the Dunkin’ franchise community with what they’ve done to remodel this store in an environmentally friendly way,” said Andrew Mastrangelo, a Dunkin’ Brands public relations manager.

But beyond the environmental impact, what is essential for DD franchise owners to understand is that these green technologies dramatically reduce operational costs. And because of the various incentive programs available, the Deslauriers family has already recovered about 70% of its initial investment.

“This really is a monumental step forward for the industry,” said Krebs. “I hope to help more franchise owners follow the same path as Roger and Rick.”

Krebs says that while no other fast food franchises have committed to pursuing solar power and other green technologies with his company, he has received some calls and noted an increase in interest among DD franchise owners and other franchise companies. He is more than happy to help franchise owners understand how they, too, can go green and get more “green” in their pockets. For more information, visit www.ConstructionArt.us or E-mail LivingGreen@ConstructionArt.us.