To commemorate World Environment Day 2023, Westlife Foodworld Ltd., the owner and operator of McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, has announced its plan to gradually install rooftop solar panels on one-third of its new restaurants in the fiscal year 2024. This initiative is part of the company’s broader objective to increase the utilization of renewable energy sources.
Over the past two years, Westlife has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 16,308 tonnes, saving an impressive 19.58 million units of electricity. These energy savings are equivalent to planting approximately 749,086 trees. By reducing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources, Westlife has not only improved its operational efficiency but has also significantly decreased CO2 emissions, contributing to a lower climate risk.
Smita Jatia, the Vice Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld, expressed the company’s commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint through various strategies such as recycling, reusing materials, adopting renewable energy, and reducing consumption. Westlife recognizes the pivotal role businesses play in addressing climate change and takes pride in translating their environmental commitment into action. The company remains dedicated to pursuing a greener future while continuing to serve its customers with delicious and sustainable food.
In addition to renewable energy adoption, Westlife is actively involved in resource conservation measures. The company has eliminated single-use plastics from its customer-facing packaging and is improving energy efficiency at its existing restaurants by implementing LED lighting and OATS (order assembly table set).
Westlife also prioritizes sustainable sourcing by utilizing green-certified ingredients, such as UTZ-certified coffee beans, which are part of one of the world’s largest sustainable programs for coffee and cocoa farming. Furthermore, Westlife pioneers the recycling of cooking oil into biodiesel, exemplifying their commitment to responsible waste management in India.
The company’s environmental initiatives extend to its employees, with over 10,000 individuals taking the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment’ Pledge on the MyGov Pledge platform. These employees actively participate in activities like beach cleaning, sapling plantation, and raising awareness about water conservation in their respective cities, aligning with Westlife’s focus on green initiatives.
To further promote a greener future and celebrate World Environment Day, McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India are distributing Marigold seeds to their customers, encouraging community involvement in planting.
Each step, including the increased use of renewable energy, brings Westlife closer to its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The company’s commitment to environmental conservation and reducing its carbon footprint is exemplified by its pledge through the United Nations Climate Change initiative, showcasing Westlife’s dedication to sustainability and preserving the environment.
