McDonald’s Canada testing RNG in its supply chain fleet

Caption: (from left to right) Mike Leclair, vice-president of major projects and liquified natural gas (FortisBC), Rod Halladay, Regional vice-president of Western Canada (McDonald’s Canada) and Sarah Smith, director of low-carbon transportation and LNG business growth (FortisBC). (CNW Group/FortisBC Energy Inc.)

SURREY — Martin-Brower of Canada Co. (Martin Brower), a logistics service provider for restaurant chains around the world, reports that it is operating its first tractor for McDonald’s Canada food delivery services on 100 per cent Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) provided by FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC). The first tractor is in operation, with an additional six scheduled to arrive later this year. The tractors are being tested in British Columbia to assess the feasibility of using them to deliver to McDonald’s Canada restaurants across Canada where possible.

“At McDonald’s Canada, we know making small changes to our supply chain can result in a big impact, which is why we’re working with our long-time distribution partner Martin Brower to help us use our scale for good,” said Rob Dick, Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s Canada. “Globally, we’ve pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050–a pledge that we are continuing to make progress towards here in Canada by investing in real and tangible changes like testing seven new Kenworth tractors powered by RNG provided by FortisBC.”

Renewable Natural Gas helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by putting organic waste to work. FortisBC takes advantage of carbon already in the system by capturing methane and repurposing it. Renewable Natural Gas can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing conventional natural gas in supplying energy to homes, businesses and transportation.

FortisBC says they will supply Martin Brower with up to 5,000 gigajoules of RNG over the next year, which can power seven tractors in service for McDonald’s Canada. All of these tractors will be fuelled with 100 per cent RNG to drive the vehicles.

“Our goal is to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions that help restaurants and our business create a more globally sustainable, ethical, and responsible future,” said Julie Dell’Aniello, president, Martin Brower Canada. “Integrating the first Renewable Natural Gas tractor into our fleet is an essential step towards further minimizing Martin Brower’s carbon emissions and environmental impact.”