The EPA recently released a list of top green power purchasing companies. Walmart sat in the number two spot among retailers, recognized for its initiatives in California and Texas and for its long-term goal of 100 percent sustainable power use. Sustainable energy has several potential benefits for retail chains, including reduction of power costs and improved relations with surrounding communities.
"Investing in renewable energy spurs innovation, provides jobs, helps protect the environment and reduces costs," said Walmart's energy VP, Kim Saylors-Laster.
According to TriplePundit, a new Retail Industry Leaders Association survey indicates that sustainability has become a permanent priority for retailers, with corporations developing green initiatives built to do more than satisfy regulations or look good on reports. Entire infrastructures, the source says, are being reconsidered with the environment in mind.
Part of Walmart's green power strategy is solar energy collection directly from the roofs of its California stores, an entirely on-site sustainability effort. The project has a goal of placing solar panels in 75 percent of its California locations by the end of 2013. To begin such ambitious projects, retailers could benefit from strong financial management strategies. Supervising them once in action can be accomplished with up to date facility maintenance software.
