Dunkin’ Donuts Built A House That Runs On Used Coffee Grounds

Photo Courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts

Most people need a hot cup of coffee to power themselves up before they can even think about getting through the day. While the effects of coffee are quite powerful, I’ve never really considered the potential they have beyond keeping me from dozing off in the shower.

Harnessing said potential, Dunkin’ Donuts took it upon themselves to build a Home That Runs on Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee. More specifically, used coffee grinds.

The idea was to take wasted resources and figure out a way to convert them into fuel, as part of an initiative towards a cleaner planet. The coffee brand partnered with Blue Marble Energy to create a biofuel made from the oil extracted from the used coffee grounds from Dunkin’ Donuts.

The biofuel is an 80% blend of coffee oil and 20% blend of alcohol that’s added to a generator which, in turn, powers every facet of the home.

The design of the house itself is also inspired by Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, with the textures and colors resembling the the richness of coffee grinds.

Anyone wishing to check out this tiny coffee-powered house will find it at Madison Square Park from Oct. 4 through Oct. 6.