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3/1/2006: Fast Food Franchise Demonstrates Sustainable Build |
Environmental Design + Construciton
Savannah, Ga. - The McDonald's restaurant in the Abercorn Common shopping center in Savannah, Ga., is a model for a more sustainable, energy-efficient building, and is anticipated to be the first-ever fast food restaurant to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The design and construction of the new restaurant was facilitated by Savannah-based sustainable real estate developer Melaver, Inc., and includes features such as: bike racks for employees and customers; preferred parking for low emission hybrid vehicles; a porous pavement that allows storm water to benefit the soil instead of draining into the sewer system; a reduction in water use; a white roof that reflects heat; and windows that allow daylight to reach 75 percent of the interior of the restaurant, reducing lighting costs. Additionally, more than 20 percent of the construction material is made from recycled content and manufactured locally, and more than 50 percent of the wood used in the restaurant comes from sustainable managed forests, as identified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.
Melaver Inc.'s sustainable design and construction of this McDonald's restaurant in Savannah, Ga. incorporates earth-friendly features like bicycle racks, preferred parking for hybrid motor vehicles, and windows that capitalize on natural daylighting to reduce energy costs.
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