Solar Energy QSR Partnerships

Wendy's has partnered with Ampion Renewable Energy to enhance its sustainability efforts by sourcing renewable energy for its restaurants. This collaboration involves over 130 Wendy's company-operated and franchise locations in New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Through Ampion+, Wendy's will access Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that substantiate the use of renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This initiative allows Wendy's to source between 30% and 100% of its energy from solar without installing solar panels onsite.

The partnership aims to support Wendy's near-term science-based targets to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47%, and Scope 3 emissions from franchisees by 47% per restaurant by 2030, both from a 2019 baseline. By participating in community solar projects, Wendy's helps generate and supply renewable electricity to local utility grids, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This approach not only advances Wendy's emissions reduction goals but also provides cost savings for the company and its franchisees.

Steven Derwoed, Vice President of Global Design & Construction at Wendy's, emphasized the benefits of this partnership, stating that it makes sourcing clean energy more accessible while realizing cost savings. Nate Owen, CEO and Founder of Ampion, highlighted that community solar combined with RECs offers a solution for environmental sustainability that is both achievable and affordable. This collaboration demonstrates Wendy's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability in the corporate sector.

Image Credit: Wendy's, Ampion