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McDonald’s Opens Its First Wooden Restaurant in Temuco

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McDonald’s has taken a major step in environmental sustainability with the inauguration of its first restaurant built entirely from wood in the city of Temuco. This project not only represents a milestone in the fast-food industry due to its innovative construction approach but also establishes a tangible commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The new location, which is the company’s third in Temuco, has been built with FSC and PEFC-certified wood, ensuring responsible and sustainable forest management. The use of 120 m³ of certified wood not only guarantees the building’s strength and durability but also plays a crucial role in capturing approximately 120 tons of CO₂, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change.

Esteban Sequeira, General Director of Arcos Dorados Chile, emphasized the importance of adapting to new sustainable construction trends, stating that it is possible to move toward a more conscious industry without sacrificing quality and efficiency.

The restaurant’s construction process was characterized by responsibility and efficiency, completed in 120 days, with modular assembly taking only 10 days. This approach not only sets a new standard for speed and efficiency in construction but also minimizes material waste.

Additionally, the restaurant incorporates 23 sustainable measures that responsibly manage resources, including energy and water savings, circular economy practices, and community-benefiting initiatives. Among these measures are solar lighting, water heaters, low-consumption irrigation systems, efficient LED lighting, electric vehicle chargers, and UV-control window films that optimize climate control, along with waste separation and cardboard recycling.

Fernando Marcone, Sub-Manager of Wood Construction at Arauco, highlighted that beyond being a simple structure, the restaurant is a concrete step toward reducing carbon emissions. Wood, by capturing carbon during tree growth and storing it in its structure, directly contributes to urban sustainability and the planet’s well-being.

Arcos Dorados Chile, in partnership with Arauco, the wood supplier, is already working on an improved version of this construction proposal, aiming to replicate such buildings and reaffirm its commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.