Walmart Worked with Suppliers to Avoid 93 Million Tons of Emissions

Published

November 15, 2019

Ambitions

Reducing emissions in its operations: In 2016, Walmart set science-based targets for emissions reductions, becoming the first retailer to do so. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its operations 18% by 2025 compared with 2015 levels through multiple initiatives, including aiming to power 50% of the operations with renewable energy by 2025.
Engaging suppliers to reduce emissions in supply chains: In 2017, the company launched Project Gigaton, which is a global effort that invites suppliers to join Walmart in a commitment to avoid 1 billion metric tons of emissions in its collective value chains by 2030. To date, more than 1,000 suppliers have formally signed on to Project Gigaton, and during 2017 and 2018, suppliers reported avoiding more than 93 million metric tons of emissions.

Walmart’s investments in R&D in response to climate-related issues include innovations in equipment designs to reduce energy demand or fuel use in its facilities and trucking fleet. These cost-saving measures have been given increasing focus owing to their benefits in reducing the company’s direct and indirect GHG emissions.
Within its operations, Walmart has invested in backup power infrastructure for stores and support facilities in hurricane-prone areas of the U.S. These efforts funded atmospheric water generating units, capable of producing up to 5,000 liters of water a day, at high priority sites in drought stricken areas along the Eastern and Western Capes of South Africa.

Strengthening the resilience of our business: Walmart’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) monitors minute-by-minute and seasonal weather forecasts and other natural phenomena that could impact operations and supply lines. EOC helps its store managers, distribution centers, and logistics division minimize the effects on operations in the face of these unexpected near-term physical hazards (e.g., hurricanes, floods).