Schneider Electric, a global energy management and automation solutions company, has partnered with McDonald’s UAE to revolutionize the energy efficiency of its new flagship restaurant in Dubai. The collaboration involves the integration of cutting-edge energy-saving technologies, marking the beginning of a green transformation across the fast-food chain. McDonald’s UAE plans to implement Schneider Electric’s advanced solutions in 10 additional branches nationwide, augmenting the existing five within its network.
The innovative Umm Suqeim 2 branch, partially powered by solar energy, boasts an array of sustainable features including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, a smart grid for optimized energy consumption, and an integrated building management system that provides real-time insights to enhance energy efficiency. These advancements are projected to yield energy savings of up to 20% for McDonald’s UAE, contributing to an average reduction of 30% in carbon dioxide emissions through the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar power and eMobility solutions.
Acting as the Energy Management System (EMS) supplier for McDonald’s UAE, Schneider Electric will provide ongoing energy management consulting and expertise in power systems engineering, propelling the company toward a more environmentally conscious future. The technology implementation has been carried out in collaboration with Schneider Electric’s partner, Integrated Technology Solution (ITS).
Walid Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE, stated, “Our commitment to energy conservation aligns with our dedication to the planet and remains integral to our operations. We are delighted to collaborate with partners who share our vision of contributing to a circular economy and fostering sustainability throughout our restaurants. Starting with the launch of the Umm Suqeim 2 branch, we eagerly embark on a journey of intelligent energy consumption with Schneider Electric, drawing from their established expertise in power system management to significantly reduce our carbon footprint nationwide.”
Ahmed Khashan, President for Gulf Countries at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this project during the ‘Year of Sustainability’, emphasizing the potential of digital transformation to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability at a national level. Khashan remarked, “Through our joint efforts with McDonald’s UAE, deploying Schneider Electric’s integrated solutions, we aim to deliver the ‘Restaurant Experience of the Future’ to customers in the UAE. We remain committed to transforming the communities we serve by providing smart, energy-efficient infrastructure encompassing green mobility, intelligent building solutions, and IoT-led advancements.”
To address the urgent need for decarbonization, Schneider Electric will facilitate McDonald’s UAE in making a substantial impact by implementing three integrated solutions, driving energy cost reduction, decreased power consumption, and heightened environmental compliance.
One of these solutions involves an all-in-one electric panel solution, offering secure power connectivity with smart monitoring and diagnostics throughout the building’s electrical distribution system.
Amel Chadli, Vice President for Digital Energy and Software, Middle East & Africa at Schneider Electric, emphasized sustainability as a core principle guiding the collaboration. Chadli expressed pride in being part of this partnership with McDonald’s UAE, highlighting the demonstration of how UAE restaurants can lower their carbon footprint and save costs while maintaining an exceptional customer experience. She stated that these actions aim to empower eco-conscious consumers and drive smarter, more sustainable choices.
The restaurant is equipped with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Operation software, a comprehensive building management system featuring a digital dashboard that provides integrated monitoring and control of various systems including HVAC, lighting, energy usage, fire safety, security, access control, and workplace management. This platform empowers McDonald’s UAE to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding energy consumption on a day-to-day basis.
In addition, the integration includes Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Retail, an IoT-based retail management platform that offers features such as alarm and condition monitoring, data analytics, restaurant optimization, and site performance benchmarking. This solution enhances traceability and maximizes energy optimization for refrigeration, HVAC, and lighting systems. Furthermore, it manages solar energy utilization and electric vehicle charging to minimize carbon emissions and energy expenses.
