As the first quick-service restaurant in the U.S. to pursue Net Zero Energy Building certification, the new McDonald’s at the Walt Disney World Resort combines Solarban^® 60 solar control, low-emissivity (low-e) glass with building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) modules, a living wall and operable Jalousie (screened) windows to generate more energy than it uses.

Located in Lake Buena Vista, close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects specified windows and clerestory glass fabricated with Solarban^® 60 glass for the 8,400 square-foot restaurant. 

“Designing a net-zero building in Florida’s hot and humid climate required a glazing product like Solarban^® 60 glass to aid in a more holistic reduction of energy use,” said Jason Vogel, Associate, AIA, LEED GA, project architect, Ross Barney Architects. “Solarban^® 60 glass helped us achieve our design intent both aesthetically and through its high thermal performance.” 

In addition to delivering a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.39 to block solar heat from entering the restaurant, the windows transmit 70% of the available sunlight to keep it bright and well-lit. The glazing is complemented by sensors that selectively activate or turn off light zones inside the space based on daylighting and occupancy levels throughout the day.

Ross Barney’s design also positions clerestory glass fabricated with Solarban^® 60 glass along the north side of the dining area to diffuse sunlight while framing views of the angled solar array on the roof above. “Using an acid-etch on the clerestory further softens the daylight admitted and cleanly conceals rooftop mechanical equipment,” Vogel added.

The glazing, coupled with variable refrigerant-flow HVAC (heating-ventilation-air conditioning) systems, high-efficiency kitchen equipment, an air-source heat-pump water heater, shading, operable windows and natural ventilation, dramatically reduces energy consumption.

The building’s energy use is further diminished by an array of photovoltaic modules. Spread over 4,800 square feet of glazing, a 19,000 square-foot outdoor canopy and 25 light fixtures in the parking lot, the array helps the restaurant meet all its power demands and even returns excess electricity to the grid.

McDonald’s anticipates the new facility will consume about 35% less energy than a former McDonald’s restaurant located on the site. 

The restaurant also incorporates kiosk monitors with educational information about the benefits of renewable energy, further promoting its eco-friendly design. The company plans to use the project as a pilot to reduce energy use in new and existing restaurants and as a guide for planning future net-zero developments.