Wendy's joins Energy Star seeking deeper efficiencies

The Wendy's Company, looking to improve energy efficiency throughout its restaurants, has joined the U.S. EPA's Energy Star program. 

The company said in a news release Nov. 30 that the voluntary partnership will help Wendy's implement a strategic corporate energy management program that will enhance its overall energy strategy. 

"Through this partnership, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and lowering our energy use by improving the energy efficiency of our restaurants," Wendy's Chief Development Officer Abigail Pringle said in a statement. 

In partnership with Energy Star, Wendy's said it plans to:

• Measure and track the energy performance of its facilities, where possible,  using tools Energy Star tools;
• Develop and implement a plan consistent with the Energy Star program's energy management guidelines to achieve energy savings;
• Communicate the importance of energy efficiency to the Wendy's system;
• Support the U.S. DOE's Better Buildings Challenge. 

"Wendy's has already shown the financial and environmental benefits that can be achieved when a company commits to reducing its energy use," Jean Lupinacci, chief of Energy Star's commercial and industrial branch. "We're thrilled to partner with them now as they deepen their commitment and work to improve energy performance across their entire portfolio of restaurants."

Earlier this year, Wendy's joined the Better Buildings Challenge and made a commitment to reduce energy consumption in U.S. company-owned restaurants by 20% per transaction by 2025. Wendy's is also the first restaurant company to include franchisees in the Better Buildings Challenge. 

Editor's note: Energy Star and the Better Buildings Challenge initiative are content partners of Smart Energy Decisions.