McDonald's Unveils Net Zero Energy Flagship

McDonald’s has completed construction of a first-of-its-kind restaurant designed to generate all its own power from renewable energy.

Located in Orlando, Fla., the location creates enough renewable energy on-site to cover 100% of its energy needs on a net annual basis. this 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.

For an initial “soft-launch” period, the restaurant is open only for Drive Thru and McDelivery service, dine-in service will begin at a later date.

To solidify the restaurant’s Net Zero Energy status, McDonald’s will pursue the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Certification over the next year. Data and learnings from the restaurant will also inform McDonald’s global sustainability efforts, including progressing toward 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. 

Features include:

• 1066 solar panels
• Outdoor porch skylights
• Stationary bikes used by customers to power the arch's string lights
• And more. Check out McDonald's video tour here.