Seven Wendy’s locations in central Florida are now sourcing renewable energy from Duke Energy, Florida's Clean Energy Connection program. Wendy’s said that by early 2023, three more units will follow suit, and by 2025, an estimated 35 sites are expected to go 100% solar.
Wendy’s will source 1,274 kilowatts of clean energy from the program by the end of this year and up to 6,363 by 2025, according to a statement.
Duke Energy’s program allows customers to subscribe to enough blocks of solar energy to offset the entirety of their energy consumption. Additionally, they can earn credits toward electric bills. Participation in the program supports the operation of 10 solar sites, which will produce a total of 749 megawatts of clean energy by 2024, according to a statement.
"Increasing our sourcing of clean energy is an important component of how we are working to reduce emissions within our system," said Liliana Esposito, Wendy’s chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, in a statement. "Our partnership with Duke Energy Florida offers a cost-effective and easy way to offset our electricity use with renewable energy credits, while at the same time funding solar power that will benefit local communities."
The partnership with Duke Energy supports Wendy’s larger sustainability goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the company’s impact on the environment.
Wendy’s is also currently working to validate a science-based target covering Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions with the Science Based Target Initiative. The target will be disclosed publicly in 2023, according to a statement.
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