# Energy-Efficient QSR Restaurants This Small-Format Wendy's Restaurant Design Reduces Energy Use By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-04-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-restaurant References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/11689-wendys-unveils-energy-efficient-restaurant-designs) To reach its goal of opening more than 600 new Wendy's restaurants by 2020, The Wendy's Co. has introduced small-format and energy-efficient designs for its franchisees. The [Wendy's Smart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-and-crispy-edition-fries) 2.0 design boasts Energy Star-certified kitchen equipment, LED interior and exterior lighting, patio furniture made from recycled materials as well as a prototype kiosk to do away with the need for interior menu boards. The [new Wendy's restaurant design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-castle-of-tomorrow) sets itself apart as one of the first to be part of the [U.S. Department of Energy’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mad-fuel-system) Better Buildings Challenge, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings by 20%. As part of its commitment to the national program on reduced energy consumption, Wendy's is now working towards meeting this goal by 2025. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Energy-efficient Restaurant Designs:** Wendy's Smart 2.0 design showcases the potential for energy-efficient designs in the restaurant industry. - **Energy Star-certified Kitchen Equipment:** Energy Star-certified kitchen equipment presents an opportunity for the appliance industry to develop innovative and sustainable products. - **Recycled Materials in Patio Furniture:** The use of recycled materials in patio furniture demonstrates a trend towards sustainable design and manufacturing in the outdoor furniture industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Restaurant Industry:** The restaurant industry can benefit from adopting energy-efficient designs and equipment to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint. - **Appliance Industry:** The appliance industry can capitalize on the demand for energy-efficient kitchen equipment and develop technologies that reduce energy consumption without compromising performance. - **Outdoor Furniture Industry:** The outdoor furniture industry can tap into the growing market of eco-conscious consumers by offering products made from recycled materials and emphasizing sustainable manufacturing practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digitally Focused Prototype Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-restaurants.md) - [Net-Zero Carbon Fast-Food Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netzero-restaurant.md) - [Icy Caffeinated QSR Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-sparkling-energy-drinks.md) - [Digital-Only Drive-Through Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-in-forth-worth.md) - [QSR Savoury Menu Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-bacon-cheeseburger.md) - [Canadian Fast-Food Breakfast Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-breakfast-menu.md) - [AI-Enhanced QSR Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendys-5.md) - [VR Burger Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wendyverse.md) - [Tiered QSR Pricing Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biggie-deals-menu.md)