McDonald's has chosen Onyx Solar's photovoltaic glass to integrate into its new flagship restaurant located in Walt Disney. McDonald’s has just unveiled its Global Flagship located on the West side of Disney’s property on Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, Florida. The opening of this restaurant shows the company’s firm commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency since it will become a Zero-Energy Building and the First Zero-Emission Restaurant in the U.S, thanks to the innovative building material of Onyx Solar among other sustainable initiatives.

 

McDonald's wanted to have an efficient restaurant, with 100% Green energy and no CO^₂ emissions to the atmosphere. McDonald's also wanted to educate all those who make use of it. Inside, users will be able to watch videos about the project as well as techniques and changes they can make in their lives to help in the fight against climate change.

 

 

 

Data:

• Total Area - 465 M²
• Electricity generated in 35 years  - 2,068,360 kWh
• Total lighting points operating 4 hours per day in 35 years - 4,064 lighting points
•  CO₂ emissions avoided in 35 years - 1,386  Tons of CO₂
• Barrels of oil saved in 35 years - 1,217 barrels per m²

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar energy plays a key role in the pursuit of this goal since the restaurant installed 1,765 m² (19,000 sqft) of traditional solar panels on the roof and drive-thru canopy; and 465 m² (5,000 sqft) of photovoltaic glass units on the outdoor porch skylights. These allow for the building to produce 679,000 kWh/year combined.

 

However, these are not the only sustainability and energy-efficient measures deployed. Ross Barney Architects designed the building to be naturally ventilated, and its windows operate with sensors that make them close automatically when air conditioning is required. Also, an impressive lush garden wall featuring their corporate logo helps absorb additional CO₂.

 

Clearly, this is the way to go moving forward, as McDonald’s plans to prevent 150 million Metric Tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030, following its Science Based Target Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which launched in 2018.

 

 

 

Onyx Solar designed and manufactured the PV Glass panels installed on the outdoor porch. They are made of two layers of ¼” fully tempered glass, where the interior lite comes in a light grey color. The average light transmittance achieved is 36%, which boosts the indoor-outdoor connection by letting additional light into the porch dining area.

 

This is an installation of 192 units of 291 Watt/unit crystalline silicon glass with a gray finish, which means a total installed power of 55.80 kWp. Each unit contains 66 mono-crystalline Silicon solar cells embedded in the glass. It measures 2,057 x 1,117 mm (6.8 x 3.8 ft) and it is UL1703 listed.

 

 

 

 

"These unprecedented times have only heightened the importance of innovation that fosters long-term security and sustainability.” 

 

“While health and safety in our restaurants is our top priority, we must also remain focused on creating positive change for our communities and the planet. This restaurant marks an important step in McDonald’s journey to reduce our carbon footprint and identify meaningful solutions in the fight against climate change.”

 

Marion Gross, McDonald’s chief supply chain officer for North America.

 

 

 

Architect: Ross Barney Architects

Client: Eco-Green-Energy

Glazing contractor: SuperSky

Electrical contractor: American Helios