Energy efficient strategies used by Wal-Mart can be adapted for Idaho

Wal-Mart – love it or hate it – is lighting the way for energy efficient big-box stores. In 2005 the retail giant built two new U.S. stores designed to reduce the amount of energy and natural resources required for operation and maintenance. Several technologies tested in these stores can be adapted for big-box stores in Idaho.

Wal-Mart’s environmental demo stores are located in McKinney, Tex. (hot climate) and Aurora, Colo. (cold climate). Their performance has been evaluated and documented in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE Journal (Sept. 2007 / Oct. 2007).

In 2008 Wal-Mart opened a store in Burlington, Ont., Canada that uses 60 percent less energy than a typical Wal-Mart and reduces its carbon footprint by 141 metric tons.

Following is a list of features used in these stores. Energy efficient technologies that can be applied in Idaho are highlighted.

• Geothermal radiant heating and cooling systems
• Skylights with daylight sensors to control electric lighting use
• Low-wattage/solar powered lighting in parking lot and outdoor signage
• Motion-activated LED lights in refrigerator and freezer cases
• White roof membrane with more insulation
• CO2 refrigeration system (reuses heat from store refrigeration
• Proximity to train and bus stations
• Locally sourced and low or zero VOC construction materials
• Low-flow sinks, toilets and urinals
• Concrete floors / no carpet or tile (reduces materials and use of harsh cleaning products)
• 100 percent renewable energy sources for construction and store electricity (wind and low-impact water)
• Recycling program including CFL bulbs and plastic bags (diverts 85 percent of its waste from landfill)
• 75 percent of store construction waste diverted from landfill

Wal-Mart also has integrated the largest solar photovoltaic installation in Latin America. Installation of 1,056 solar panels on half of the Wal-Mart Mexico demo store roof will eliminate 140 tons of CO2 emissions and provide 20 percent of the store’s energy requirements for a full year. Wal-Mart Mexico also has also committed to achieving:

• 100 percent renewable energy sources by 2025
• Zero water discharge and zero waste by 2025
• 25 percent increase in eco-friendly items by 2012

SOURCES

Journal Article:
• MacDonald, Michael, and Deru, Michael, PhD "The Wal-Mart Experience: Part One”, ASHRAE Journal 49-09 (September 2007): 14-25.
• MacDonald, Michael, and Deru, Michael, PhD "The Wal-Mart Experience: Part Two”, ASHRAE Journal 49-10 (October 2007): 22-27.

Websites:
• Greener Buildings Staff "Wal-Mart Cuts Ribbon on Giant PV Array in Mexico, Canada’s First Green Store Prototype." Greener Buildings. 2009. Greener World Media, Inc. 22 Jan. 2009 <http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news/2009/01/22/wal-mart>.
• Persaud, Christine “Wal-Mart Canada Opens First Environmental Demo Store” Here’s how. 2008. Bomar Publishing. 16 Jan. 2009 < http://www.hereshow.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=16797>.
• Wal-Mart Stores “Wal-Mart Mexico Inaugurates Largest Sun-Operated Photovoltaic Installation in Latin America” Wal-Mart Stores. 2001. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 19 Jan. 2009 <http://walmartstores.com/FactsNews?/Newsroom/8913.aspx>.