Walmart Strives to Increase Efficiency and Renewable Energy
At Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, it was announced that the company plans to be completely supplied by renewable energy by the end of 2020.
In order to accomplish Walmart’s goal of being 100 percent supplied by renewable energy, the company will be drive the production of 7 billion kWh of renewable energy each year and will reduce the company’s energy consumption by 20 percent. The company’s increase in renewable energy projects is estimated to equal the elimination of two U.S. fossil fuel power plants, which will save $1 billion in energy each year.
“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, Walmart president and CEO. “The math adds up pretty quickly – when we use less energy that's less energy we have to buy, and that means less waste and more savings. These new commitments will make us a stronger business, and they're great for our communities and the environment.”
By 2020, Walmart also hopes to have solar power installed on more than 1,000 rooftops and facility in the U.S. The company will be increasing its use of LED lights used in places such as parking lots and floor lighting, and will be using high efficiency HVAC and refrigeration systems and energy/building control systems.