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Chipotle is going verde — er, green.
The Denver-based burrito chain plans to install solar panels in approximately 75 of its restaurants over the next year. Solar sites include Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and, of course, Denver.
Chipotle says the restaurants were selected based on their electricity consumption, solar- power rebates from the local utility and access to sunlight. The intent is to reduce power consumption during peak hours of energy use, typically from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The introduction of solar panels is the latest in the homegrown chain’s move to make its restaurants more environmentally friendly. Other initiatives include building new stores with recycled drywall and stainless steel, and obtaining ingredients from local farms.
