In a powerful demonstration of commitment to environmental sustainability, McDonald’s will turn off the lights of its facades and signs on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 20:30 for one hour. This initiative, which marks the 17th year of participation in Earth Hour, is spearheaded by Arcos Dorados, the company responsible for operating the McDonald’s brand across 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Earth Hour, organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), is a global movement aimed at raising awareness about climate change and encouraging action to protect the environment. By participating, McDonald’s seeks to inspire its customers to join the fight against climate change. “This Saturday, by turning off the facades of our restaurants, we want to inspire and sensitize our customers on the relevance of the issues raised by Earth Hour,” said Marie Tarrisse, Senior Manager of Social Impact and Sustainable Development at Arcos Dorados Brasil.
The commitment to sustainability is underscored by Arcos Dorados' efforts to utilize renewable energy sources. Currently, more than 70% of the restaurants owned by Arcos Dorados are powered by renewable energy, showcasing the brand’s ongoing evolution towards a greener operational model.
The company's sustainability measures are part of a broader ESG strategy known as the “Future Recipe,” which aims to positively impact restaurants, consumers, and the planet alike. One major aspect of this initiative is the implementation of clean energy sources in its restaurants, something that Arcos Dorados has increasingly integrated into its operations over the years.
In the Brazilian city of Brasília, the corporate franchise Group Levvo, run by entrepreneur Laura Oliveira, has notably expanded its use of clean energy through the enhancement of its photovoltaic power plants. A new plant, which has been operational since November 2024, has a generation capacity of 1,000 KWh and has successfully produced a total of 518,556 KWh of clean energy, contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions.
The commitment to renewable energy began for the franchise in 2016 when studies were conducted for the development of solar energy plants. By June 2019, two plants were inaugurated with a combined production capacity of 1.5 MWp, and by the year of their inception, 70% of the franchise’s restaurants were being supplied by these plants. That number increased to 80% by 2020.
As of December 31, 2024, the McDonald’s network, overseen by Arcos Dorados, boasts more than 2,400 restaurants. These establishments employ over 100,000 individuals within the 20 countries where the company operates.
Tarrisse further emphasized the brand's corporate responsibility stating, “As an iconic brand with a presence in multiple countries, we have the opportunity and responsibility to amplify this message, driving initiatives that create a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone.”
By taking part in Earth Hour, McDonald's and Arcos Dorados are not only advocating for environmental issues. They are also highlighting the importance of corporate responsibility in promoting sustainable practices in the fast-food industry. The extinguishing of lights is a symbolic gesture that encourages customers and communities to consider their environmental footprint.
As actions like this become more routine, it is hoped that they will contribute significantly to global efforts against climate change, steering the corporate sector towards a greener, more sustainable future.
