Walmart Opens Next Generation High Efficiency Store in SacramentoSACRAMENTO, Calif., June 3, 2009 – When the new Walmart store in Sacramento opens to the public on June 17, it will be one of the most energy efficient Walmart stores in the U.S. With the opening of this store, Walmart introduces the HE.6 pilot, the next generation of high-efficiency stores built specifically for the western U.S. climate. The store is located at 6051 Florin Road. The HE.6 store is designed to be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than the 2005 baseline Walmart store.. This pilot store was developed based on learning from the HE.5 store in Las Vegas, which opened in March 2008. Both the Las Vegas and Sacramento stores are climate-specific, meaning that innovations are based on the unique climate conditions in the area. “Walmart continues to stay on the leading edge of sustainable building practices,” said James McClendon, director of new format development. “Our ongoing research and our partnerships with other organizations committed to developing clean technologies and reducing energy consumption has resulted in this latest generation of energy efficient stores.” Technology that was introduced in the HE.5 store in Las Vegas has been brought forward and now the Sacramento store features the next generation of energy efficiencies. The heating, cooling, refrigeration and lighting systems have been refined to conserve energy reduce demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For the western climate, the HE.6 store takes the integrated water-source format system that Walmart piloted in its first generation high efficiency stores and adapts it to the unique local climate by adding evaporative cooling and radiant flooring technologies. Water temperature is reduced by pumping it through roof-mounted cooling towers, then running the cold water underneath the retail floor to cool the shopping area. Together, the systems provide a comfortable shopping environment while using less energy. The new Sacramento HE.6 store is also the first Walmart store in the U.S. to feature a low temperature CO2 secondary loop refrigeration system. The medium temperature refrigeration system also features secondary loop technology. These systems reduce the refrigerant charge in the store by 90%. In addition to its climate specific technology, the Sacramento Walmart has energy-efficient and environmentally friendly features that are present in all new Walmart stores. These features are designed to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. Skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. The cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program. Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience The new Walmart features wide aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries. “The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said Store Manager Jason Craig. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier.” A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, site to store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs. The store plans to employ more than 600 associates at the time of the grand re-opening, including approximately 300 new positions added as a result of the relocation. Eight of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years, and 10 associates have worked at the store since its original opening in 2001. Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., June 17 About Walmart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) EDITOR’S NOTES FACT SHEET |
