Walmart's Expanded California Solar Power Initiative Moves Forward, Completes Three More Stores

Stores in Paramount, Baldwin Park and Highland are Online

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2010 – Today Walmart announced the completion of three solar power projects from its expanded solar initiative announced on Earth Day 2009 (April 22).The solar projects are located in Paramount (14501 Lakewood Blvd), Baldwin Park (3250 Big Dalton Ave.) and Highland (4210 East Highland Ave). Walmart’s expanded solar power initiative will nearly double its solar energy use in California, adding solar installations at 10 to 20 Walmart facilities over the next 12 months.

“Walmart’s effort to expand and accelerate its solar power initiative program here in California demonstrates their commitment to sustainability. These kinds of projects create green jobs, reduce costs for businesses by lowering power bills, and protect the environment,” said Mary D. Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board. “We appreciate Walmart’s leadership and encourage other businesses to follow Walmart’s lead.”

"Walmart has become a global leader in implementing sustainability programs that better protect our environment while reducing costs. Lower costs mean that lower prices can be passed on to San Bernardino shoppers," said Fred Shorett, 4th Ward City Councilmember, City of San Bernardino. "I am very pleased that the Walmart in the City's 4th Ward will be generating renewable energy."

The expanded solar initiative builds upon the solar pilot program that began in May 2007. Walmart’s total combined solar efforts in California are expected to:

• Generate up to 32 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year – the equivalent of powering more than 2,600 homes;
• Avoid producing more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year – the equivalent of taking approximately 2,000 cars off the road; and
• Provide 20 to 30 percent of each facility’s total electric energy needs.

“The completion of these facilities marks another important step in our drive to become more sustainable and achieve our goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy,” said Kimberly Sentovich, vice president and regional general manager for Walmart. “Increasing the use of solar energy is a benefit for the environment and makes business sense, as well.”

Walmart’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy projects is helping the retailer build a more diversified energy portfolio and create more opportunities for advancements in clean energy through research and innovations.

Walmart’s Sustainability Commitment
As part of its company-wide sustainability goals, Walmart is committed to being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, creating zero waste and selling products that sustain people and resources. The company is moving toward these goals by using sustainable sourcing practices including energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy and lifecycle management. These initiatives are making Walmart a more sustainable company and helping create a favorable environment for green job creation.

About Walmart
Walmart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,000 retail units under 53 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2009 sales of $401 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.1 million associates worldwide. A leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity, Walmart ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine’s 2009 Most Admired Companies survey. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.

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