Going for a Maccers doesn’t usually equate to a green statement. But the yellow arches in Orlando, Florida are doing their best to make a dent in emissions with a new thrust to make their new restaurant less energy hungry, even if their patrons still are. By Jeremy Torr.

Orlando, Florida, US. July 2020 Although Disney World might be closed due to current issues, nothing stops Maccers. Patrons in need of a feed can roll up at the nearby drive-through on West Buena Vista Drive and grab a slab with the knowledge that they aren’t taking anything from the grid in the process.

"These unprecedented times have … heightened the importance of innovation that fosters long-term security and sustainability," said McDonald's local spokesperson Marion Gross. "While health and safety in our restaurants is our top priority, we must also remain focused on … positive change for our communities and planet.” Gross said that the company is taking deliberate steps “to reduce our carbon footprint and identify meaningful solutions in the fight against climate change."

It is doing this at the Orlando site by installing solar panels and smart low-energy features that enable the restaurant to run on 100% renewable energy. The building, both inside and out, is designed to minimise waste and maximize non-grid consumption. It does this using a massive roof clad with over 1,000 solar panels, using solar panel awnings over its socially-distanced outdoor dining space, and by employing passive ventilation and a living garden wall to naturally cool the interior space. Even better for the energy equation, customers are offered a few circuits on a set of stationary bikes that will help generate power to light up the yellow arches and recharge tablets and phones. Saving power, and possibly even reducing fat too.

McDonalds sustainability spokeswoman Francesca DeBiase said the company was trying to raise its profile as a responsible company. “We [recognise] that the size and reach of our business puts us in a unique position to improve people’s lives and the environment. We want to … continue raising the bar on what it means to be committed to people and the planet,” she added.

McDonald's is using this restaurant as a pilot project and has plans to use the data and numbers from the West Buena Vista Drive location to help decrease energy usage and carbon footprint to all its outlets company-wide. It has plans to use recently signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) to expand its renewable energy capability, and ultimately provide enough energy to power over 2,500 restaurants-worth of electricity.

Already the company’s restaurants in many parts of Europe - including Austria, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK and Ireland - are close to sourcing 100% of the energy needed to power their operations from renewable sources. McDonalds says the moves will help prevent approximately 700,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year – equal to planting 11 million trees or taking more than 140,000 cars off the road, it claims.

In Australia, McDonald’s has broken ground on its 1000th location in Melton South, Victoria which will be its sustainable flagship in Australia. As well as using recycled materials in its construction and interiors, it will, like the Orlando outlet, be capable of supplying 100% of its power need s from rooftop solar.

It will also offer natural fibre cutlery, stirrers and straws and segregated waste streams to reduce waste and keep recyclable materials out of landfill, as well as potentially using coffee grinds as compost for its Big Macs lettuce fillings, and recycling plastic trays for use as car park bumpers and playground equipment.

“As our first sustainability flagship, the Melton South restaurant will play a vital role in allowing us to continue to test, evaluate and implement industry-leading sustainable innovations. McDonald’s Australia has always been committed to sustainability,” said spokesman Josh Bannister in a statement.