Chipotle Mexican Grill is constructing a wind-powered store in Gurnee, Illinois. The new restaurant will will have a 6-kilowatt wind turbine owners expect to provide 10 percent of the location's electrical need.

The restaurant has more than just wind power to establish its green cred: The design uses recycled drywall and metal, and LED lighting. And, beyond highly efficient faucets and toilets, the building will have a 2,500-gallon underground water cistern that will collect rainwater for landscape irrigation.

Owners plans to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED certification for the Gurnee site and for another of its restaurants in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Two of its Austin, Texas, restaurants have already earned local green certifications.

Chipotle is well-known for using organic ingredients, and the restaurant is making a concerted effort to improve its social responsibility in other areas. In addition to making  its buildings greener, using rainwater for irrigating its landscaping will lower Chipotle's water bill in Gurnee significantly. When you factor in the reduced energy costs from LED lights, Energy Star-rated kitchen appliances and other energy-efficiency efforts, a LEED-certified restaurant is more than practical for the Chipotle chain.

Photo — GregGlesworth