These 7 McDonald’s Restaurants Around the World Are Making Strides in Sustainability

When you think about more sustainable restaurants, McDonald’s might not be top of mind – but maybe it should be. Did you know that a McDonald’s in Orlando was the first quick-service restaurant in the U.S. designed to be net zero energy? Or that our Chicago flagship store received LEED Platinum certification? That’s just scratching the surface on the sustainability efforts at play in some of our restaurants around the globe.

As part of our pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, McDonald’s is working to help increase emissions reductions across the board – which includes our restaurants. We also aim to enable teams everywhere to innovate with renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable packaging. You can see that work in action at these amazing sustainable restaurants around the world – from Colombia and Glasgow to the Philippines and Chicago.

Want more? Explore the most iconic McDonald’s restaurants across America.

UK – Market Drayton

Welcome to the UK’s first net zero carbon restaurant, which is powered in part by on-site solar panels and wind turbines that produce an estimated 60,000 kWhs of power per year. The walls are insulated with British sheep’s wool, and the building cladding is crafted from recycled IT equipment and household appliances.

While you’re there: Take a spin around the drive-thru made from recycled tires, which produces less carbon dioxide and allows more water to be absorbed.

Walt Disney World Resort

Did you know that our flagship restaurant in Orlando, Florida, was the first quick-service restaurant in the U.S. designed to be net zero energy? The sleek 8,024-square-foot building blends modern architecture with technology to create enough renewable energy on-site to cover 100% of its energy needs. 

While you’re there: Gaze up at the massive V-shaped solar-paneled roof or take a selfie in front of the plant-covered walls, which absorb CO2 and promote biodiversity.

Bogotá, Colombia

Situated in Bogotá’s bustling Parque de la 93, Colombia’s new flagship store is a sight to behold. The towering, three-story building is home to 25 sustainability initiatives that help save energy and water, promote a circular economy and make the building more efficient. 

While you’re there: Dine alfresco when you grab a seat on one of the outdoor terraces, which are accentuated with eaves to generate shade and vegetation to absorb heat.

Glasgow – Sauchiehall Street

Owner-operator and 40-year McDonald’s veteran Andy Gibson recently remodeled one of his Glasgow restaurants with more sustainable design touches including booth benches made from sustainably sourced plywood, vinyls that are manufactured from recycled plastic bottles and artwork made from recycled polystyrene cups.

While you’re there: Dig into a Quarter Pounder with Cheese made with beef sourced from British and Irish farms.

Chicago

Our Chicago flagship location is the first McDonald’s in the U.S. to receive LEED Platinum certification, an honor we don’t take lightly. During the construction process, nearly 65% of the previous building was re-used to create the beautiful new structure. Additionally, a “solar pergola” with over 1,000 panels generates about 59% of the building’s overall electrical needs while also providing shade.

While you’re there: Don’t forget to look up! The hanging indoor atrium with birch trees and edible plants is not only soothing to look at, but it also improves air quality.

Philippines – Mandaluyong City

This Green & Good store was built in part from repurposed and recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and eco-pavers. The building is also equipped with solar lampposts and harvesting tanks that collect rainwater that’s used to wash the building’s exterior. 

While you’re there: Pull up on your bike to enjoy the restaurant’s Bike & Dine area. You can even give your ride a tune-up at the on-site Bike Repair Station, which is stocked with tools for customers to use.

Australia

Located in Melbourne, Restaurant 1000 features 25 core initiatives that help reduce the building’s environmental impact, including on-site solar panels, paper and wooden packaging, energy-efficient lighting and more efficient equipment.

While you’re there: Check out the Happy Meal toy collection bin, which encourages kiddos to learn about recycling by returning their pre-loved toys to be recycled.