Published 01-16-09
Submitted by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
BURLINGTON, Ontario, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Wal-Mart Canada today announced the opening of its first environmental demonstration store in Burlington, Ontario, which features a first-of-its-kind application of geothermal technology in a large-scale Canadian retail operation and energy-conserving lighting innovations, among many other sustainable features.
This year, Wal-Mart Canada will begin to roll out prototypical stores that are 30 per cent more energy efficient. The new Burlington supercentre is expected to use an estimated 60 per cent less energy than the company's typical supercentre store and to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 141 tonnes. It is also expected to divert an estimated 85 per cent of its waste from landfill through a variety of recycling programs.
"We're determined to build the greenest stores on the block, and our Burlington store puts us one step closer," said David Cheesewright, Wal-Mart Canada's president and CEO. "We remain committed to being green, not only for the good of the environment, but for the long-term sustainability of our business. There's a tremendous opportunity to reduce our construction and operating costs and to pass those savings on to our customers, who are looking for lower prices now more than ever."
"Wal-Mart continues to show its commitment to energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental sustainability," said Peter Love, Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer. "Demonstration stores like this one prove that conservation and comfort can be brought together for the benefit of shoppers and employees."
Energy Efficiency
The environmental demonstration store includes the following energy efficient operations and features:
Wal-Mart Canada has three long-term environmental sustainability goals: 1. To be 100 per cent supplied by renewable energy; 2. To produce zero waste; 3. To provide environmentally friendly products to customers.
About Wal-Mart Canada
Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Wal-Mart Canada Corp. operates 316 retail outlets nationwide. The company’s vision is to demonstrate environmental leadership by reducing the ecological impact of its operations through company-wide programs focused on waste, energy and products, as well as outreach programs that preserve and enhance local environments.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 200 million customers and members visit our 10,700 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmartgreen. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com.
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