McDonald’s Malaysia announced today that it targets to open 200 green restaurants by 2025, as part of its commitment towards long-term sustainability efforts. The quick-service restaurant chain will be investing up to RM60 million in the next 5 years by procuring Energy Efficient (EE) and Renewable Energy (RE) equipment for the 200 restaurants, which includes new and remodelled outlets.

This announcement was made during the 10th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) today, where the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC), YB Yeo Bee Yin, was also present.

As of 2019, McDonald’s Malaysia has 54 restaurants equipped with EE and RE equipment, totalling to an investment value of RM11.5 million; while up to 124 restaurants have already implemented at least one of the green initiatives that the company has committed to. McDonald’s Malaysia currently has more than 280 restaurants nationwide.

“As a company and brand with an extensive global footprint, we have a responsibility to do our part for people and the environment. We aim to use our Scale for Good strategy to achieve this objective while helping the nation meet its commitment to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In view of this, we are working towards ensuring that 100 percent of our restaurants are fitted accordingly with EE and RE equipment,”

Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia.

McDonald’s Malaysia’s first full-fledged sustainable drive-thru restaurant in Setia Alam is a model restaurant with sustainable features that has enabled operational savings for the company. Key green features at the restaurant, which will also be installed in stages for all McDonald’s outlets nationwide include:-

 Roofing System Integrated with Solar Photovoltaic, which converts sunlight to electricity. The generation of electricity from Solar PV contributes to the reduction of carbon footprint.

 Thermal Solar Water Heater, which utilises solar energy to heat up water. The heated water is then used for sanitation purposes in the restaurant.

 Rainwater Harvesting System, which is installed in all McDonald’s drive-thru standalone restaurants. The rainwater harvesting tank collects rainwater and is used for irrigation purposes.

 Solar LED Street Light, where converted solar energy is stored in batteries for night usage, without relying on direct electricity supply.

 Hybrid Air-Conditioning System, which enables 25% – 35% of energy savings as compared to traditional air-conditioning systems.

And many more! Some pretty great initiatives from McDonalds to keep things green, i’d say.