The July GreenDrinks was held at The Meat House and featured a tour of the LEED Gold McDonald's Restaurant in Cary's Saltbox Village. These two restaurants demonstrate how distinct types of "All-American food" establishments are evolving to become more sustainable. The Meat House features grass-fed beef, and local specialties such as "Carolina Caviar" with black-eyed peas, strives to maintain the familiar atmosphere of a neighborhood butcher shop. McDonald's received a LEED Gold rating earlier this year in the LEED for Retail Pilot Program and includes some of the Triangle's first electric vehicle charging stations. Will Senner with LEED Consultant Skanska USA spoke about his work on the McDonald's, and owner Ric Richards highlighted some of the green features unique to this project, and others that were piloted in this McDonald's and have since been incorporated into the company's design standards.

For more information about the Cary McDonald's LEED certification and commitment to sustainability, visit the restaurant's educational kiosk in the lobby, or their website.

Thanks to The Meat House for sponsoring this event: