Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart has unveiled a goal of fully powering its stores by renewable energy by 2020.
Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart has unveiled a goal of fully powering its stores by renewable energy by 2020. The retail giant will take two major steps to achieve this goal. First, it will produce or procure 7 billion killowatt-hours of renewable energy globally each year, representing a 600 percent increase over 2010 levels. Second, it will reduce the energy intensity required to power its buildings by 20 percent of 2010 levels.
Walmart’s renewable energy efforts are predicted to save the company more than $1 billion annually and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 9 million metric tons — the equivalent of taking 1.5 million cars off the road. The company predicts these efforts will decrease net company greenhouse gas emissions even as its grows in stores and sales in the coming years.
“More than ever, we know that our goal to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy is the right goal and that marrying up renewables with energy efficiency is especially powerful,” said Mike Duke, president and CEO of Walmart, in a statement.
In 2012, Walmart added approximately 100 renewable energy projects, bringing its total to approximately 300. The company expects to install solar panels on the roofs of 1,000 facilities by 2020, and more than 200 solar projects are already installed or under way. It is also increasing LED usage in sales floor and parking lot lighting as well as focusing on high-efficiency HVAC and building systems.
SOURCE: Walmart