Wendy's to Start Utilizing Smart Building Technologies
Smart buildings, smart burgers
Wendy's On A Mission to Reduce Energy Consumption
One of the largest and well-known fast-food companies, Wendy’s, is on track to reduce their energy consumption by at least 10%, and hopefully more, at 345 of their locations, by deploying smart building technology through Gridpoint’s platform. In an effort to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability, this project could change how current and future franchises may view their energy consumption habits. Smart building technologies, such as the ones that are being incorporated in this project, also “allow customers to automate and control their assets”, per this article from EnergyTech.
Main Goals Of Smart Building Technologies
By using smart sensors and actuators, data can be thoroughly analyzed in real-time, to properly understand how energy can be utilized in the most energy-efficient and optimized way. These sensors can track data such as how busy certain areas are at any given time and over a period of time. The sensors can also automate a business’ HVAC system usage or any other unused systems that normally use energy during non-peak hours. By having these types of automation in place, energy consumption is less likely to be used inefficiently, thus lowering energy consumption and costs overall. With the tracking of data and analysis, business owners can make decisions about their energy usage and have better control over energy consumption at their business locations. The main goals of utilizing smart building technologies are to conserve energy, reduce energy consumption, reduce energy costs, and decrease carbon footprint making a business more environmentally friendly.
Wendy's Smart Technology Pilot Program
The initial pilot project between Meritage Hospitality Group and Gridpoint back in February 2021, started with five Wendy’s sites, one which is located in Florida. This Florida location achieved a 23% energy savings after analyzing and tracking their data for consumption–much more than initially anticipated! Gridpoint plans to expand this technology to the other 340 locations over the course of the first quarter of 2022.
This doesn’t just end at these locations either. By using Gridpoint’s grid-interactive platform, many other commercial businesses that are utilizing their technologies, as well as local utilities, have the opportunity to benefit each other. Per this article from Businesswire, by aggregating small businesses’ energy usage and data, utilities are able to be better supported and can help with supply and demand challenges. At the same time customers are able to reduce spending on energy.
To give you a recap on this topic, smart building technology can help businesses build a more sustainable future for their company, be more environmentally friendly and aware, and save some money in the long-term by doing so!
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