flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

LEED puts the 'Gold' in Riverside golden arches

LEED puts the 'Gold' in Riverside golden arches

McDonald's restaurant recognized for significant energy savings.


By By BD+C Staff | January 19, 2012
Two hundred-ninety four solar panels help power the McDonalds restaurant at 2242 University Avenue in Riverside, Calif. On Jan
This article first appeared in the March 2012 issue of BD+C.

A McDonald's restaurant in Riverside, Calif., was recently awarded LEED Gold certification, the first McDonald's west of the Mississippi, and only the fourth in the U.S., to receive the designation. 

"This gold certification from LEED underscores our rigorous sustainability initiatives," said Candace Spiel, McDonald's owner/operator. "

This restaurant is owned and operated by Tom and Candace Spiel and stood as a McDonald's for 44 years. In 2010, the restaurant was completely rebuilt and reopened on October 14, 2010 containing a host of green features such as low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled denim insulation inside the building, native drought-tolerant plants to reduce water consumption by landscape and solar panels.

The restaurant also includes an interactive touch-screen display for visitors to learn about the building's features, environmental sustainability, and how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.

The University Avenue McDonald's has achieved the following water and energy-savings.

  • The restaurant's solar array has generated electrical energy which saves approximately 8,950 kWH per month of utility usage, which is equal to the power usage of 13 average Riverside homes for one month. Increased efficiencies such as low-E glass windows and LED lighting helped realize an additional energy savings of 2,870 kWH per month, which is equal to an additional four Riverside homes.
  • Saved approximately 250,000 gallons of water, which is equal to the water of eight 20 ft x 40 ft swimming pools. 
  • Due to permeable pavers, about 283,000 gallons of rainfall water is diverted from storm water system per year, which is equal to the water of nine 20 ft x 40 ft swimming pools. 

"We are delighted that this local McDonald's has taken such significant measures to conserve our natural resources while educating residents about the importance of energy conservation," said Ron Loveridge, mayor of Riverside.

Beginning as manager trainee and crewperson, respectively, over the last 40 years Tom and Candace have risen within the ranks of the McDonald's system to own and operate nine McDonald's restaurants in the Inland Empire located in Chino, Ontario, Montclair, Pomona, Riverside and Rubidoux. Both Tom and Candace are members of the McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California, which is comprised of more than 120 small business owners who operate more than 600 McDonald's restaurants in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. BD+C 

Related Stories

Healthcare Facilities | Sep 1, 2017

Caring for caregivers

Many healthcare organizations are increasingly focused on designing amenities, policies, and workplaces to better support their clinicians, health providers, and administrators.

Architects | Aug 31, 2017

How Instagram is changing the design industry

The digital and physical worlds are colliding. How will social media platforms influence the way we design spaces?

Mixed-Use | Aug 30, 2017

A 50-acre waterfront redevelopment gets under way in Tampa

Nine architects, three interior designers, and nine contractors are involved in this $3 billion project.

AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2017

Software cornucopia: Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility showcases the power of computational design

The project team employed Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and a host of other software applications to design and build this uber-complex sports and entertainment facility. 

Multifamily Housing | Aug 24, 2017

Storage units, lounges most popular indoor and outdoor amenities in multifamily developments

Tenants and condo owners crave extra space for their stuff. Most developers are happy to oblige.

Green | Aug 24, 2017

Business case for WELL still developing after first generation office fitouts completed

The costs ranged from 50 cents to $4 per sf, according to a ULI report. 

Healthcare Facilities | Aug 24, 2017

7 design elements for creating timeless pediatric health environments

A recently published report by Shepley Bulfinch presents pediatric healthcare environments as “incubators for hospital design innovation.”

BD+C University Course | Aug 23, 2017

AIA course: New steel systems add strength and beauty

Advances in R&D are fostering new forms of structural and aesthetic steel.

Market Data | Aug 23, 2017

Architecture Billings Index growth moderates

“The July figures show the continuation of healthy trends in the construction sector of our economy,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker.

Architects | Aug 21, 2017

AIA: Architectural salaries exceed gains in the broader economy

AIA’s latest compensation report finds average compensation for staff positions up 2.8% from early 2015.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Urban Planning

Bridging the gap: How early architect involvement can revolutionize a city’s capital improvement plans

Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) typically span three to five years and outline future city projects and their costs. While they set the stage, the design and construction of these projects often extend beyond the CIP window, leading to a disconnect between the initial budget and evolving project scope. This can result in financial shortfalls, forcing cities to cut back on critical project features.



Libraries

Reasons to reinvent the Midcentury academic library

DLR Group's Interior Design Leader Gretchen Holy, Assoc. IIDA, shares the idea that a designer's responsibility to embrace a library’s history, respect its past, and create an environment that will serve student populations for the next 100 years.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021