Wal-Mart has recently announced its new plan: to double the amount of solar power used at various amenities. 18 of its facilities currently possess solar panels.
The company has publicized its plan to install solar panels at 10 to 20 more locations. The solar panels will ultimately supply these locations with 20 to 30 percent of their total electricity. Upon completion of the installation of these panels, “Wal-Mart will reach a total solar energy capacity of 32 million kWh per year”. Also, according to this company, these new installations will reduce Wal-Mart’s carbon emissions by 22,500 metric tons a year and also create 130 new jobs.
Wal-Mart has also developed a long-term plan: its goal is to one-day convert to 100 percent renewable energy. Its strategy is to focus on one facility at a time.
Information acquired from: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/1052/wal-mart-doubling-use-of-solar-power.html
Image taken from AP Images
This is very interesting because I have been disappointed with Wal-mart for a very long time. A few years ago I watched that documentary on how Wal-Mart is so terrible to it’s workers and how it’s like a monopoly. Wal-Mart doesn’t have unions and underpays its workers. That’s probably why it has all the money to spend on solar energy. At least it’s helping the environment, not necessarily it’s people. Maybe that will be the next step on Wal-marts steps to improving itself.