• by Todd Wasserman , Staff Writer, April 11, 2023

Chipotle on Tuesday announced an all-electric restaurant design that uses 100% renewable energy via certified renewable credits.

The restaurant design is part of Chipotle’s plan to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2030 versus a 2019 baseline.

Chipotle plans to have more than 100 of its restaurants using all-electric equipment by 2024. Chipotle also plans to increase the amount of local produce purchased in 2023 to at least 36.4 million pounds.

The new Chipotle locations will also have rooftop solar panels, where feasible; heatpump water heaters; smaller electric cookline and improved exhaust hoods compared to other Chipotle kitchens; biodegradable service ware, including cutlery, straws, bowls and lids; and electrical vehicle charging at select locations.

“With our aggressive development goal in North America, we hold ourselves accountable to reduce the environmental impact of our restaurants,” said Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs officer at Chipotle. “We are aiming to incorporate some elements of our responsible restaurant design into many of our new restaurant openings going forward.”

Chipotle’s new design comes as some rivals have also rolled out new eco-friendly designs. McDonald’s location in Disney World creates enough energy on site to power the restaurant while a Burger King design features solar panels.