DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy has recognized The Wendy's® Company (NASDAQ: WEN ) and one of its franchisees, Wendco Group, for their partnership in the Better Buildings Challenge and for leadership in energy efficiency. The Wendy's Company has made a commitment to reduce energy consumption in U.S. company-owned restaurants by 20 percent per transaction by 2025. Wendy's is also the first restaurant company to include franchisees in the Better Buildings Challenge. To date, six franchisees have joined and more than 570 company and franchisee operated restaurants are participating in this program.