Raising Awareness of Authorities by Quantifying Vehicle CO2 Emissions of a Drive-Thru Operation: Insights from a Canadian Case Study

This study quantifies the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by vehicles using a restaurant drive-thru, aiming to raise awareness among stakeholders and to provide site-specific insights that may inform strategies for emission reduction. A high-traffic fast-food outlet in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, was selected as an exploratory, single-site case study. Over a 20-hour observation period, 1,136 vehicles were recorded, with data collected on brand, model, and total time spent in the drive-thru. Emissions were estimated using manufacturer-reported emission rates and idling characteristics, including fuel consumption rates and idle times. Despite an average drive-thru time of just over 4 minutes—reflecting the restaurant’s efficiency policy—approximately 270 kg of CO2 was released during the observation period at this site. While this estimate is specific to the observed location and timeframe, it illustrates the potential for non-negligible emissions associated with drive-thru operations. These findings highlight the need for further research to examine similar contexts and better understand the variability and broader implications of emissions from drive-thru services and to explore mitigation measures, including policy changes, behavioral adjustments, and technological solutions, in support of Canada’s net-zero targets.