McDonald’s amps efforts to be better for the environment with solar-powered restaurants

McDonald’s solar-powered rooftop in Arayat, Pampanga

As one of the biggest players in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, McDonald’s Philippines leads the shift to environmental-friendly and sustainable solutions by using solar-powered rooftops in 25 of its stores. 

The incorporation of sustainable solutions in its operations is a testament to McDonald’s recognition of its responsibility to be better for the environment, elevating its mission of delivering feel-good moments to its stakeholders.

The Sustainable Makeover: McDonald’s Environmental-Friendly Solutions

Since it started its operations in the country in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines has set the benchmark in restaurant and operations that adhere to world-class standards. Today, with over 700 stores all over the country, McDonald’s continues to innovate, this time to minimize its impact on the environment by using green building and utility efficient solutions under its Green and Good platform.

With its 6 flagship Green & Good stores in the country, McDonald’s is able to realize an annual reduction of 52,500 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2e) and 102,000 (H2O) liters of water reduction for each store.

While the 25 Green and Good stores that are solar-powered are able to save a total of 546,000 kWh which reduces electricity consumption to as much as 36% compared to stores that are not running on solar power. 

Other green solutions McDonald’s is using include rainwater harvesting tanks collecting run-off decrease water consumption, while the use of inverter air-conditioning technology, LED lights and photo & motion sensors inside help reduce CO2e emissions.

Aside from aiming to lower energy and water consumption, McDonald’s is also working on minimizing its waste with 60% paper- or fiber-based packaging and strawless lids for cold beverages. These efforts have yielded a reduction of plastic waste by 273 metric tons.

To support customers in their personal ways of reducing their carbon footprint, McDonald’s stores are also equipped with Bike and Dine areas so customers can enjoy eating their McDonald’s favorites on their bikes. Select stores are also equipped with e-Charging stations for use by customers with two-wheel electric vehicles.

With the plan of expanding its store network in the country comes McDonald’s Philippines’ aim of doing it responsibly. With this, the company leads the industry in sustainable construction methods through repurposed and alternative building materials, offsite construction, as well as reduced site waste.

Looking Forward: A Green & Good Future

Starting with the first Green & Good store in UN Del Pilar Avenue in Manila City which opened in 2020, McDonald’s Philippines continues to search for more environmentally-friendly alternatives to different areas of its operations. With this, the company aims to bring the total number of Green & Good stores to 130 by the end of 2023.

“With more than 700 stores nationwide, McDonald’s Philippines carries a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.  We will continue to find solutions to make our operations more efficient and better for the planet. With the results of our Green & Good initiatives so far, we believe that it is possible to grow sustainably. Our stakeholders can look forward to enjoying more McDonald’s stores that are Green & Good in the future,” said Kenneth S. Yang, McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO.

Be updated on McDonald’s Philippines’ Green & Good journey by following McDonald’s PH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.