KFC Australia has officially opened the second quick service restaurant in its network that is certified for energy and environmental design. The new store is at Lidcombe in New South Wales.

The leadership in energy and environmental design program, LEED, is a voluntary, consensus-based, market driven program that provides global third-party verification of buildings with best-in-class sustainable building strategies and practices.

Michael Clark, chief supply chain officer for KFC Australia, said “We chose to open this LEED certifiable store in Lidcombe because of the community’s interest in protecting the environment. This opening is a significant milestone in our journey towards creating more sustainable restaurants.”

The company’s first LEED certified store opened in East Maitland in New South Wales more than 18 months ago; since opening the store, power use has been reduced by 19.4 percent, Clark said.

“We believe it is our responsibility to minimise the impact our business has on the environment and this initiative forms part of our overarching strategy – to build more sustainable stores and create a sustainable supply chain.”

The latest environmentally friendly building design, operations and technology have been employed in the restaurant. The installation of LED lighting throughout the site, and installation of day-light and movement sensors in strategic areas is expected to reduce overall energy by at least 16 percent. 

Water usage will also be cut, by up to 40 per cent, with a rainwater tank for irrigation, tankless water heaters and low water use taps, bathrooms and urinals.

Once officially certified, KFC Lidcombe will be the 22nd LEED certified restaurant in KFC’s global network, with other locations in the US, UK, China, Turkey, France, India, Germany and Thailand.