McDonald’s has signed two virtual PPAs, totaling 380 MW of renewable energy. The restaurant chain will purchase the power generated by Aviator Wind West and a utility-scale solar project, both in Texas. Facebook was reported in September as also buying a 200-MW segment of the Aviator Wind project.
In March 2018, McDonald’s became the first restaurant company to set a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These two U.S. renewable energy projects will represent significant progress toward McDonald’s Climate Action Target to reduce GHG emissions related to McDonald’s restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030. Once online, the GHG emissions reductions from these two deals are expected to deliver 16% in progress toward McDonald’s Climate Action Target or 6% in GHG emissions reductions from the company’s 2015 baseline.
“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,” said Francesca DeBiase, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer, McDonald’s. “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 addition to the restaurant and office GHG reduction target, McDonald’s has also committed to seek a 31% reduction in emissions intensity (per metric ton of food and packaging) across its supply chain. Through its Scale for Good platform, the company is also working toward 2025 goals to make 100% of McDonald’s guest packaging come from renewable, recycle or certified sources and to recycle guest packaging in 100% of McDonald’s restaurants.
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