Yum! Brands Inc.'s first LEED-certified store, a new KFC-Taco Bell restaurant in Northampton, Mass., has recently installed a SolarWall system, the company has announced. The use of the SolarWall technology demonstrates the company's commitment to increasing awareness of renewable energy, as well as Yum! Brands' emphasis on corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The SolarWall technology is a solar air heating system that uses the sun's energy to heat ventilation air for commercial and industrial buildings. It substantially reduces traditional heating fuel expenses and carbon dioxide emissions, requires no maintenance and lasts more than 30 years. The SolarWall technology was invented by Conserval Engineering.
"This latest effort is a testament to the commitment we place on implementing environmentally friendly solutions and continued research in the field of green technology," Jonathan Balas, AIA, LEED AP, KFC project architect, said in a news release.
The KFC/Taco Bell SolarWall system will displace more than 9 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and is estimated to produce approximately 100 million BTUs of thermal energy per year. This means that during the 30-year life of the system and the building, Yum! Brands will have displaced more than 270 tons of carbon dioxide as a result of this one initiative.
