We’re not sure what to make of this, but give Ric Richards some credit: He’s tearing down his traditional McDonald’s location on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary, the one that wasn’t particularly good for the earth or for the human body. In its place, he’s erecting a $2 million Mickey D that may attain the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification of eco-friendliness.
Details are here, courtesy of the N&O’s Jack Hagel.
Richards expects to use at least 40 percent less water than a traditional McDonald’s by including features such as low-flow toilets and an irrigation system that uses rain that runs off the roof.
Skylights and LEDs throughout the restaurant would diminish electricity costs. He also plans to re-install existing equipment, rather than buying new.
If this venture succeeds, Richards’ store will be the first McDonald’s so certified in North Carolina, and the third in the nation. But Subway has beaten him to the punch, we learn:
On Wednesday, Subway opened a restaurant on Market Street in Chapel Hill that has recycled floor tile, high-efficiency heating and air-conditioning systems, low-flow faucets and lots of natural light. If approved, it will be the state’s first LEED certified Subway.
Take that, slow foodies!
