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
| Mar 7, 2012
Firestone iPad app offers touch technology
Free app provides a preview of Firestone’s Roots to Rooftop Building Envelope Solution with an overview of all the products from ground and stormwater management solutions, to complete wall panel and commercial roofing system applications.
| Mar 7, 2012
LEO A DALY opens new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Jay N. Kline, Regional Manager – Saudi Arabia, to lead new office.
| Mar 7, 2012
Turner appointed Batson-Cook CFO and treasurer
Cecil G. Hood to continue in advisory role.
| Mar 7, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti names Dowdall VP of Kansas City office
Dowdall will be responsible for supporting the Property Loss Consulting, Building Performance and Building Sustainability practices nationally.
| Mar 7, 2012
LEO A DALY selected to design Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The bronze, figurative sculpture of a firefighter rescuing a child, which is currently on display at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, is lit by natural light through a circular void in the monolith.
| Mar 7, 2012
Houlihan Lokey adds Steffen to Industrials Group
Steffen bolsters group with experience in the building materials and rorest product sectors.
| Mar 6, 2012
Country’s first Green House home for veterans completed
Residences at VA Danville to provide community-centered housing for military veterans.
| Mar 6, 2012
EwingCole completes first design-build project for the USMA
The second phase of the project, which includes the academic buildings and the lacrosse and football fields, was completed in January 2012.
| Mar 6, 2012
Gensler and Skender complete new corporate headquarters for JMC Steel in Chicago
Construction was completed by Skender in just 12 weeks.
| Mar 6, 2012
BLT Architects promotes two to associate
Architect Nicole Dress and interior designer Jessica Moser acknowledged for excellence.