This McDonald’s runs on renewable energy

This McDonald’s runs on renewable energy – that’s right! Based at the Walt Disney World Resort in the US, this is McDonald’s first global flagship restaurant sporting a net-zero energy-design. The restaurant creates enough renewable energy on-site to cover 100% of its energy needs on a net annual basis.

The restaurant spans 8,024 sqft and features an expansive, v-shaped solar-panelled roof and photovoltaic glass panels integrated throughout the building. There are 1,066 solar panels on the roof of the restaurants that can generate 600,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. Moreover, the restaurant’s solar parking lot lights help offset more than 9,000 kWh per year.

In addition, since this McDonald’s runs on renewable energy, it sports 1,700 sqft of green, plant-covered walls capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, thereby promoting biodiversity and retaining water. The restaurant’s 600 sqft louver windows open and close automatically “inhaling” cool air and “exhaling” warm air. The restaurant also makes “smart” usage of water.

“Our global flagship restaurant will serve as a learning hub for McDonald’s to test solutions for reducing energy and water use, a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation,” a McDonald’s statement emphasises. “Data and learnings from the restaurant will also inform McDonald’s global sustainability efforts, including progressing towards the company’s science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% in restaurants and offices by 2030 compared to a 2015 base year.”

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