Moe's First Green Restaurant Launches the Brand's Sustainability Initiative

On October 15 Moe's Southwest Grill celebrated the opening of the chain's first green restaurant in Williston, VT. Two years ago Franchise Partners Sueayn and Philip Wood along with the Moe's team set out to make the Williston Moe's the first LEED certified restaurant in the chain and in the state of Vermont.

"It's exciting to be the first Moe's restaurant to attempt LEED certification," explains Sueayn Wood. "Our hope is that some of the innovations that have been discovered through this process can be applied to other Moe's restaurants throughout the country."

On its way to earning Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Moe's has installed LED lighting, energy efficient cooking equipment, and a technologically advanced air control system that they anticipate will reduce energy consumption by 22 percent.

In compliance with LEED standards, the building materials were locally sourced and the laminates, paint and adhesives are all low-emission to help enhance the air quality of the restaurant.

In addition, this new location features low flow sink aerators, low flow toilets and waterless urinals.

Finally, a unique regional feature is the Freeaire management system for the walk-in cooler that overrides the condensers and evaporators once the outside air reaches a temperature that is equal to or cooler than the desired walk-in temperature.

"This project has been a great learning experience for the Moe's brand," explains President Paul Damico. "It has challenged our operations, development and supply chain teams to find solutions that meet the USGBC's high standards."

In an effort to make responsible recommendations to Franchise Partners who wish to make their new and existing restaurants greener, Moe's is tracking the usage and cost of Williston's water, waste and energy to determine the impact of these environmentally-friendly improvements.

"At the same time, Moe's is working on an energy efficiency strategy for the brand, testing a composting solution and making nutritional improvements," says Damico. "Moe's is committed to a more sustainable future and this marks the beginning of our journey."

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