Wal-Mart to Measure Product Energy Usage
by October 8, 2007 12:00 am 70 views
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced a partnership with the Carbon Disclosure Project as part of its environmental push to measure the amount of energy used to create products throughout its supply chain.
Using this measurement tool, the world’s largest retailer will initiate a pilot program with a group of suppliers to look for new and innovative ways to make the entire process – including the procurement, manufacturing and distribution process – more energy efficient.
Suppliers will be encouraged to monitor and manage their greenhouse gas emissions and reduce Wal-Mart’s “total carbon footprint,” said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Wal-Mart Stores Division.
The pilot will focus on seven product categories to determine the overall environmental impact of products and look for innovative ways to drive energy efficiency.
The seven product categories – DVD’s, toothpaste, soap, milk, beer, vacuum cleaners and soda – were identified because they are ordinary products that customers commonly use.
The agreement is part of Wal-Mart’s Sustainability 360 campaign adopted last year to reduce packaging by 5 percent by 2013.