That familiar Wal-Mart smiley face might be glowing like the sun as the company has upped its commitment to sustainability efforts by adding solar panels to 10 to 20 Wal-Mart facilities in California.
This company press release says these panels will be in addition to the 18 solar arrays currently installed at Wal-Mart facilities in California, bringing the retailer’s total solar commitment to:
• Generate up to 32 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy per year – the equivalent of powering more than 2,600 homes*;
• Avoid producing more than 22,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year – the equivalent of taking more than 4,000 cars off the road*;
• Provide 20 to 30 percent of each location’s total electric energy needs.
“Increasing the use of solar energy is the right thing to do for the environment and makes tremendous business sense, especially in these economic conditions,” said Kimberly Sentovich, Wal-Mart’s California regional general manager. “Thanks to Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership, California is an excellent environment for us to grow our investment in renewable energy and help create more green jobs for America. Wal-Mart is excited to continue collaborating with our partner BP Solar on expanding our solar footprint.”
“All over the state we are harnessing the power of the famous California sun and creating energy that is pollution free,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This project is all about taking bold action so we can see solar panels on commercial rooftops all across California while putting people to work. Today’s action helps prove that even in an economic downturn, it is possible to get serious about clean, renewable energy.”
The move nearly doubles the company’s solar use in California.