Arkansas location is first casual dining eatery in U.S. to receive such certification
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The Olive Garden’s (Orlando) Jonesboro, Ark., restaurant has been awarded LEED silver certification for new construction from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 7500-square-foot restaurant, which opened in January, features such sustainable design elements as recycled building materials, including carpeting; increased use of natural light using more windows; and energy-efficient equipment and fixtures.
"This restaurant is an example of our ongoing commitment to sustainability," says Dave Pickens, president of Olive Garden. "We're working throughout Darden to be more environmentally aware and to make our business more sustainable. By doing so, we can ensure our long-term success while protecting and enhancing the communities where we do business."
Parent company Darden Restaurants plans to open 10 restaurants designed to meet LEED standards and reduce energy and water use in its 1800 restaurants by 15 percent by the year 2015.
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