11.19.2007 - 10:18am ET

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, published its first report on Thursday on the environmental and social sustainability drive it launched just over two years ago in one of the most dramatic transformations in US corporate history.

But the 90-page progress report received a mixed welcome from environmentalists and socially concerned investors, who expressed some disappointment with the lack of measurable data provided.

Lee Scott, the chief executive officer, declared: "We make no claims of being a green company." But he said the report showed Wal-Mart's progress on issues ranging from slowing the growth of its greenhouse gas emissions to improving the health of its employees.

"Our carbon footprint is growing slower but it is still growing. We are reducing waste but we are far from the day when we have eliminated waste in our stores."

Environmental Defense, which works with Wal-Mart on its sustainability efforts but does not receive any funding from the retailer, said the report "reveals areas where Wal-Mart has made progress and areas where they have more to do".

"It would benefit by providing more transparency, context and a more systematic assessment of progress relative to environmental goals," said Gwen Ruta, the group's head of corporate partnerships.

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