Shropshire's new net zero carbon McDonald's a UK 'first'
It's powered by two wind turbines and 92sqm of solar panels
Last updated 10th Dec 2021
McDonald's has opened a believed UK first "net zero carbon" restaurant in Market Drayton.
It's net zero in building construction and operation, with walls insulated by British sheep wool, and power coming from two wind turbines and 92 square meters of solar panels.
The cladding is also made from 250 square metres worth of recycled IT equipment and white household goods.
Wall signs are made from used coffee beans, kerb stones from 182 recycled plastic bottles, while the drive-thru lane has been built from recycled tyres.
The restaurant has even got a biodiversity garden and nature trail, designed by Market Drayton Junior School children, that will collect rainwater from the carpark and provide a habitat for nearby wildlife.
A totally-green, golden arches
The newly-opened Shropshire McDonald's is due to be verified as the UK's first restaurant to be net zero emissions for construction by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC).
McDonald's bosses say they intend to use the "blueprint" site to reach net zero emissions for all of their 1,400 restaurants and offices by 2030.
McDonald's vice president of supply chain and brand trust, Beth Hart, said: "At McDonald's we believe that our food needs to be served in restaurants that are sustainable for the future. Market Drayton is a big step towards making that a reality, enabling us to test and put into practice what a net zero emissions building, both in build and use, really looks like.
"We've already started to roll out some of these innovations to other restaurants, but what is exciting about Market Drayton is the fact it will act as a blueprint for our future new builds."
UKGBC spokesman Simon McWhirter said: "The challenge of decarbonising the construction industry is a complex one, but McDonald's commitment to building the first restaurant in the UK in line with UKGBC's net zero carbon buildings framework is a critical first step.
"We welcome the ambition to achieve net zero emissions for all McDonald's restaurants and offices by 2030."