KFC opens first eco-friendly restaurant in Chennai; to add 20 more restaurants by 2022

With an aim to harness sustainable solutions and create a more positive impact on the planet, KFC India announces KFConscious.

A first for the QSR industry in India, the brand launched its most sustainable restaurant in T N Nagar, Chennai, as a mark in the brand’s commitment to grow sustainably, while being good stewards to the environment.

The restaurant design and operations integrate energy efficiency, usage of responsible materials and waste diversion.

“We are passionate about feeding a future with more purpose, and are committed to creating a better future for our customers, communities, and the environment. KFConscious has provided an impetus to our efforts in driving meaningful change and pioneering sustainable development in the restaurant industry,” shared Samir Menon, Managing Director, KFC India.

Another KFC outlet located in the Yamunanagar Expressway food court is marked by energy efficiency.

The brand aims to launch 20 more such restaurants by 2022, striving to enable consumers to enjoy their KFC favourites in a much more responsible manner.

KFC India has made significant progress on its sustainability journey till date, further strengthened by the launch of KFConscious:

§  Renewable Energy: The solar panels at the restaurant in Chennai will help save about 18,000 units of power every year, thereby reducing carbon emissions from electricity consumption.

§  Water wastage: Recycling water is a practice across most KFC restaurants in the country; with KFConscious, 100% of the rejected water from the RO is utilized in flushing systems in the washrooms, ensuring 0% water wastage at the Chennai restaurant

§  Energy efficiency: The usage of natural and LED lighting ensures increases energy efficiency. Energy management system in the kitchen ensures optimized use of electricity. Further, use of inverter type air conditioning ensuring 30% reduction in energy consumption.

§  New Environmentally Friendly Materials: Eco-friendly materials such as sustainable laminate and local clay tiles for wall finishes.

§  Promoting sustainable lifestyles: Customers are motivated towards low-carbon behaviours, such as bringing their own carry bag for takeaway orders; with plans going forward to provide bicycle racks and EV charging stations. The brand tested e-cycles for food delivery at select restaurants in Gurgaon, Kolkata and Bangalore contributing to minimizing carbon emissions.

The efforts with KFConscious align with KFC’s global commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% by 2030. This is in addition to a sustainability commitment of all plastic-based, consumer-facing packaging to be recoverable or reusable by 2025.