WHO says that food chains are junks? They may be serving not-so-diet-friendly items on their menus, but some are becoming conscious enough to now offer the customers something healthy to eat and, at the same time, implement eco-business strategies that are beneficial to Mother Earth.
This holds true for McDonald’s Philippines, which is getting “greener” as it continues to lead the adoption of environment-friendly and sustainable solutions, this time by using solar-powered rooftops in select branches.
With the 25 Green and Good stores that harness the heat of the sun, they are able to save a total of 546,000-kilowatt per hour, which lessens electricity consumption to as much as 36 percent compared to stores that do not utilize renewable energy.
This initiative was preceded by McDonald’s six flagship Green & Good outlets—each of which realizes an annual reduction of 52,500-kilogram of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 102,000 liters of water.
Other ecological solutions the company is using include rainwater harvesting tanks that help decrease water consumption; as well as inverter air-conditioning technology, LED lights and photo and motion sensors inside that mitigate CO2 emissions.
Likewise, it is working on minimizing its waste with 60 percent paper- or fiber-based packaging and strawless lids for cold beverages. These materials have lessened its plastic waste by 273 metric tons.
Eco-warrior customers are always welcome to dine-in to the quick service restaurant (QSR) as the stores are also equipped with Bike and Dine areas so they can enjoy eating their McDonald’s favorites on their bicycles. Select stores are also equipped with e-Charging stations for use by customers with two-wheel electric vehicles.
Expanding its store network in a responsible manner, the firm leads the industry in sustainable construction methods by using repurposed and alternative building materials, offsite construction, as well as reduced site waste.
With more than 700 branches nationwide, the food chain giant “carries a strong commitment to environmental responsibility,” according to McDonald’s Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth S. Yang.
“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,” he said.
Starting with the first of such kind of an outlet along UN Del Pilar Avenue in Manila in 2020, McDonald’s Philippines aims to bring the total number of Green & Good stores to 130 by the end of 2023.
