Investment will generate green energy equal to providing electricity for 2,500 restaurants
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McDonald’s moved one step closer to powering the making of Big Macs and fries with solar and wind energy.
The Chicago-based quick-service chain, whose CEO was ousted last week, said Thursday it is investing in two Texas-based startup companies that are generating renewable energy equal to taking 140,000 cars off the road for one year. McDonald’s did not disclose the amount of the capital investment, which involves buying "virtual power" from the two companies including Aviator Wind West. McDonald's did not name the solar project.
McDonald's said the renewable energy commitments will generate green energy equivalent to power more than 2,500 McDonald’s restaurants.
“As we look at the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing the world today, McDonald’s has a responsibility to take action, and our customers expect us to do what is right for the planet,” Francesca DeBiase, chief supply chain and sustainability officer, said in a statement. “These U.S. wind and solar projects represent a significant step in our work to address climate change, building on years of renewable energy sourcing in many of our European markets. We want to keep this momentum going, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
In early 2018, McDonald’s set an ambitious goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions related to its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030. That’s compared to energy used in 2015.
McDonald's has about 14,000 restaurants in the U.S.
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Nov. 11 Update: This story was edited to include an updated version of DeBiase's statement.
