In its ongoing pursuit of a sustainable and eco-friendly future, McDonald’s India, North and East, has made a substantial investment of INR 14 crores to establish the largest solar power plant in Najafgarh, Delhi, in collaboration with BRPL. This endeavour has resulted in 24% of McDonald’s Delhi restaurants successfully transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Boasting an impressive capacity of 3.2 MW, the solar plant is projected to generate 4.2 million units of power annually, effectively reducing CO2 emissions by 3,822 tonnes per year—an amount equivalent to planting 1.6 Lakh trees. By harnessing the power of solar energy, McDonald’s India North and East is taking a significant step towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Chairman of McDonald’s India-North and East, Sanjeev Agrawal, expressed his commitment to sustainability and the development of resilient food systems as fundamental components of McDonald’s India-North and East’s vision. He stated, “By installing Delhi’s (BRPL) largest solar power plant, we are intensifying our sustainability efforts. Currently, 24% of our Delhi restaurants are powered by solar energy. This project signifies the beginning of our journey towards a greener future, aligning with our country’s objective of reducing emissions intensity and becoming a carbon-neutral nation.”
As an environmentally conscious brand, McDonald’s India North and East actively explores innovative methods to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, prevent waste from polluting natural environments, and preserve precious resources. Through collaborative initiatives with suppliers and producers, sustainability remains at the core of key supply chain processes.
McDonald’s India, North and East, prioritizes the use of FSC-certified paper-based packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. All wood fibre used in restaurant paper packaging originates from recycled sources or forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a globally recognized standard for responsible forest management. Additionally, the brand produces its renowned French Fries in a zero-water discharge facility in India, significantly reducing water consumption.
The responsible sourcing of ingredients serves as another crucial aspect of McDonald’s India North and East’s contribution to nature-positive supply chains, with a focus on supporting the farmers who cultivate these ingredients. For instance, the brand ensures sustainable sourcing of coffee, certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which aids coffee farmers in enhancing their productivity through sustainable methods and improved farm management.
Moreover, the adoption of local sourcing for lettuce has not only supported the livelihoods of over 250 small and marginalized farmers nationwide but has also equipped them with sound agricultural practises.
McDonald’s restaurants exclusively employ palm oil that upholds sustainable production practises and deforestation-free supply chains, utilizing Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) credits and Mass Balance certification.
Furthermore, the company repurposes used cooking oil into biodiesel, known for its lower carbon emissions compared to conventional fuel. Through collaborations with FSSAI-approved vendors, McDonald’s facilitates the collection and conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel, which finds applications in trucks, furnaces, boilers, and more.
By employing responsible practises that promote environmental conservation, McDonald’s India, North and East, remains dedicated to the preservation of nature. The brand strives to utilize natural resources in a manner that safeguards the environment and actively engages with local communities and farmers who reside in close proximity to natural ecosystems.