Commercial, Solar  -  July 17, 2020

McDonald's launches net-zero restaurant at Disney World

McDonald’s released July 10 the details of their newly remodeled location at Disney World Resort that features on-site renewable energy generation to cover 100% of the building’s net annual energy needs.

The fast-food chain has a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% in restaurants and offices between 2015 and 2030. This location on Buena Vista Driver near the All-Star Resorts now features 1,066 solar panels with a total annual capacity of 600,000 kWh, outdoor porch skylights with solar glass panels that generate 70,000 kWh annually and efficient louver windows that open and close automatically to bring cool air in and warm air out.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our newest flagship in Orlando, Florida: the first quick-service restaurant designed to be Net Zero Energy in the U.S,” the restaurant chain wrote in a statement. “This McDonald’s combines modern architecture with technology to create enough renewable energy on-site to cover its energy needs on a net annual basis.”

The restaurant also installed solar-powered parking lot lights to offset 9,000 kWh per year and stationary bikes for customers to experience the idea of turning movement into kinetic energy to power the lights on the McDonald’s Golden Arch. While the All-Star resorts are currently closed because of the pandemic, they are undergoing an initial “soft-launch” period in which they are open for Drive-Thru and delivery.

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