Less energy, cleaner water
We recognise that our energy and water consumption make a significant contribution to our environmental impact. That is why we aim to:
- minimise energy consumption in our restaurants.
- minimise the amount of water in use in our restaurants and ensure the wastewater leaving our restaurants is of a high quality.
Your questions answered
Do you use energy saving light bulbs?- We are always trying to use more energy efficient lighting where we can, including:
- More use of light level sensors to turn lights off
- Lower wattage dichroic lamps from Philips which are now standard for replacements
- LED lights for signage
- What is McDonald's doing to reduce its carbon footprint?
- We are working with The Carbon Trust to find ways to further reduce the energy used in restaurants and at finding practical sources of renewable energy that could be employed. One energy saving practice we have implemented is to fit all burger grills with an alarm that sounds when unused for a set period, reminding employees to switch them to standby mode. By implementing this single practice over a year, a restaurant can save the equivalent of three times the annual energy use of a three bedroom home.
- Does McDonald's plan to burn its waste products to produce energy?
- Yes. The McDonald's energy from waste project has been running in Sheffield since 2007 and decisions about whether to expand the project will take place in the future. The carbon emission saving for this project has been calculated at 54%. The heat and power generated from the energy from waste facility in Sheffield is currently only used for public buildings.
- Is McDonald's planning to become a self-sufficient energy supplier?
- We're trialling several renewable energy technologies. Currently solar panels have been installed in 13 McDonald's restaurants, two of which are taking part in the waste to energy collection (Meadowhall and Tankersley). Also wind turbines are to be installed on three of the McDonald's restaurants participating in the waste to energy scheme (Barnsley Stairfoot, Barnsley Drive Thru and Rotherham Drive Thru) and a larger turbine is being installed near Edinburgh.
What you can do to help
We are trying to do all we can and with your help we can be even better.
You can help reduce energy consumption by turning your car engine off when idling for long periods in the car park.
Providing waterless urinals
Waterless urinals have been installed in 120 McDonald's restaurants, and is part of our ongoing refurbishment program.
Cleaner water discharge
Environmental Biotech drainage systems are being rolled out to suitable restaurants to combat grease and improve the quality of our discharge water.
Sonic alerts
Our kitchen grills are fitted with sonic alerts to remind staff to return them to their standby energy saving position after use.
Using less energy
All our restaurants use low energy lamps and have light level sensors installed to control external lighting. All new lighting systems also have high frequency fittings.
"Through careful planning and working with The Carbon Trust we ensure that we use the most energy efficient equipment for our restaurants according to the technology available"
Marie-Louise ter Beek, Environmental Manager, McDonald's UK
