OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's has announced that its global headquarters building in Oak Brook, Ill., has been awarded one of the most prestigious green building awards: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Worldwide, fewer than 210 building projects have achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest certification level.
McDonald's global headquarters building was built in 1988 with the intention to construct a sustainable building. Many of the original features include an open office environment with generous access to daylight, space- and land-saving underground parking and landscaping with native plants.
Additionally, McDonald's recycling and waste programs, 'green' vehicle parking designations and the recapturing of rainwater for irrigation are just some of the ideas implemented over the years which contributed to the LEED Platinum certification.
"By working through the LEED certification process, we were able to document that an environmentally friendly workplace can be cost effective. The benefits associated with this effort are ongoing, with positive impacts on our employees, our budgets and the environment," said Joseph Endress, vice-president, facilities and systems at McDonald's.
McDonald's headquarters sits on 88 acres, with more than half remaining native woodlands. Two man-made lakes are used to retain site storm water, which also provides a source for plant material irrigation during the summer.
McDonald's global headquarters highlights include:
- Low mercury, energy efficient interior lighting used throughout the building
- Bike racks and locker/shower facilities to support non-vehicle commute options
- Forty-five percent of the total building energy consumption procured from offsite renewable energy sources (solar/wind)
2008 recycling highlights
McDonald's global headquarters has a recycling program for all occupants. Between January and June 2008, nearly 60 percent of building occupants recycled waste. Highlights include:
- Approximately 130 tons of commingled occupant waste recycled annually
- More than 31 tons of scrap metal recycled during 2008
- More than 128 tons of paper recycled through the confidential shredding program
- Fry oil from on-site McDonald's restaurant recycled to make bio-diesel fuel to power a transportation shuttle to other nearby McDonald's buildings.
- The resulting glycerin by-product from the production of biodiesel fuel was donated to an underprivileged women's organization in Chicago and used to make soap and bath products
