Wal-Mart is Canada's largest purchaser of green power

Source: Technology Digital

Date :08/06/2007 10:09:38

Wal-Mart uses renewable solar, wind and hydro energy for stores in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Wal-Mart Canada has announced a three-year agreement to purchase 31,000 megawatt hours of clean, renewable power from Bullfrog Power to green the electricity of three of its Alberta stores. In combination with ongoing alternative-energy contracts in Ontario and British Columbia, the Alberta purchase makes Wal-Mart Canada the nation's largest commercial purchaser of green power. In 2007, the company will operate the equivalent of 15 stores emissions free, through the purchase of green power from solar, wind and low-impact hydro sources. This will contribute to Wal-Mart Canada's plan to reduce its carbon emissions footprint by a minimum of 19,000 tons this year.

Since 2004 Wal-Mart Canada has purchased renewable energy for 25 per cent of its stores in British Columbia through B.C. Hydro. In 2006 the company began reducing the emissions footprint of its first three Wal-Mart Super centers in Ontario through an ongoing partnership with green electricity retailer Bullfrog Power. And, earlier this week, Wal-Mart supported Bullfrog Power's announced entry into the Alberta market by committing to "bullfrog power" one Wal-Mart store in each of the Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge markets with 100 per cent made-in-Alberta wind power.

Combined, Wal-Mart Canada's green power purchases have the equivalent effect of taking approximately 3,875 cars off the road for a year, over the duration of the three-year contracts. By supporting alternative energy programs, Wal-Mart Canada will reduce its carbon footprint, help air quality, contribute to the stability of provincial power grids that have historically been strained and relied on fossil fuels, and foster the growth of the renewable electricity market.

"Our company has an ambitious goal to one day operate with 100 per cent renewable energy," says Mario Pilozzi, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Canada. "In the short term, we are focused on making immediate change through choices like dimming our summer lighting and buying green power. In the long run, we hope to play a role in fostering sustainable resources and making alternative energy more mainstream."

"Wal-Mart's latest green power purchase provides a high-profile example for other companies considering sustainable change," says Tom Heintzman, co-founder of Bullfrog Power. "By increasing its commitment to green power, Wal-Mart is not just making important changes to its own business, it is also helping to support the growth of the renewable power industry, and through that support helping to create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations."

Wal-Mart has committed to three long-term sustainability goals, globally and in Canada:

1. To produce zero waste

2. To be powered 100 per cent by renewable energy; and,

3. To make more environmentally preferable products available to customers.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Wal-Mart Canada Corp. operates 277 discount stores, seven Wal-Mart Super centers, and six SAM'S CLUB membership warehouse operations. The company's environmental vision is to demonstrate environmental leadership by reducing the ecological impact of our operations through company-wide programs focused on waste, energy and products, as well as outreach programs that preserve and enhance local environments.

For further information: Kevin Groh, Director, Corporate Affairs,

Wal-Mart Canada, (905) 821-2111 x8012