Wal-Mart Starting to Cut CO2 Output

Although Wal-Mart's practices around the world are not sustainable, I still believe that any progress made by companies that will help stop global warming are worthwhile. Should they do much more? Of course. Are they an emblem of a company with a truly sustainable business?  No. Are their motivations to green wash their business or get positive publicity?  Who knows, but those may be two of their motivations. Is it better than doing nothing? Yes.

I know in Toronto, Ontario, and in Calgary, Alberta, there are a handful of Wal-Mart stores that use alternative green electricity, Bull Frog Power (as I use Bull Frog Power for my home electricity). So they are taking some steps forward. I hope that market pressures and the reality of climate change risks will keep companies making changes after they have started. The article mentions the Carbon Disclosure Project, and I will try to remember to add some information on them in a separate post.

This article is from the "Business" section of the Toronto Star, Tuesday, September 25, 2007, page B3, and provided by Bloomberg News:

WAL-MART TRIES TO CUT CO2 OUTPUT

NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, says it will measure the amount of energy used to make and distribute some of the products it sells and look for ways to cut carbon emissions.

The project will begin with seven types of items, including DVDs, toothpaste, soap and milk, Wal-Mart said yesterday. It is working with the Carbon Disclosure Project, a non-profit group focused on business risks caused by climate change, to monitor energy usage.

Wal-Mart has pledged to cut energy and waste generated by its stores and truck fleet. Some facilities use solar power, others have energy-efficient lighting systems, and the company has worked with suppliers to reduce packaging. Critics fault it for bringing sprawl and traffic wherever it opens a store.

"We believe it will be a way to better connect with the next generation of consumers," chief merchandising officer John Fleming said of Wal-Mat's initiatives.

The retailer said it cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 1.9 per cent last year, to 20.4 million tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent.

Carbon Disclosure Project represents 315 investors, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc., with $41 trillion (U.S.) under management.

Bloomberg News