Climate and Walmart's Operations
We have reduced our energy intensity by sales volume, however, we recognize the need to further reduce our environmental impact whenever possible. Specifically, we: - are continuing to work to reduce our direct carbon footprint and identify ways to save money on energy and waste.
- are bringing more sustainable practices into our supply chain to reduce our indirect environmental impact.
Carbon Disclosure Project In September 2007, we announced a partnership with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to measure energy use and emissions in our supply chain. - This pilot program incorporated seven Walmart supplier sectors, including DVDs, toothpaste, soap, beer, milk, vacuum cleaners and soda product categories.
- Throughout 2008 and 2009, Walmart and the CDP evaluated the pilot and are now preparing for the next phase to incorporate more product categories into the analysis.
- Ranked #1 Consumer Staples Company - Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2008 report and scored 89 out of a possible 100. Read the report (see page 8).
Read more about CDP. Renewable Energy In an effort to reach our larger goal of being supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, we are committed to finding more ways to implement and utilize renewable energy sources in our stores, clubs and distribution centers. Solar Power Soon, thin-film solar technology will find itself on the rooftops of 15-20 of our sites in Arizona and California. Several of these have already been successfully installed. Once complete, this project is expected to: - produce up to 22.5 million kilowatt-hours (KWh) of clean energy per year - enough to power more than 1,750 homes annually;
- avoid producing more than 11,650 metric tons of carbon equivalent annually, equal to removing more than 3,000 vehicles off the road for a year; and
- supply up to 20 percent to 30 percent of the total energy needs for each location.
Wind Power In 2009, we started a four-year wind power purchase agreement with Duke Energy for our facilities in Texas. - More than 360 of our stores and facilities in Texas began using wind-generated, clean electricity in April 2009. Walmart will purchase 226 million kilowatt hours of renewable power each year from this wind farm – the equivalent of powering more than 20,000 American homes for one year. This is enough electricity to:
- supply up to 15 percent of the energy needs in 350 of our Texas locations.
- reduce our carbon emissions by 139,000 metric tons per year, which is the equivalent taking 25,000 cars off the road or eliminating the CO2 produced by 18,000 homes annually, raising environmental quality and quality of life in the communities we serve.
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