Wal-Mart unveils plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer said yesterday that it would eliminate 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its global supply chain by the end of 2015, the equivalent of taking more than 3.8 million cars off the road for a year.

The 20 million metric tons represents one and a half times the Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart's estimated global carbon footprint growth over the next five years, said the company in a statement yesterday.

''Energy efficiency and carbon reduction are central issues in the world today,'' said Mike Duke, Wal-Mart president and CEO. ''We've been working to make a difference in these areas, both in our own footprint and our supply chain. We know that we have an opportunity to do more and the capacity to do more.''

The footprint of Wal-Mart's global supply chain is many times larger than its operational footprint and represents a more impactful opportunity to reduce emissions.

''Like everything we do at Wal-Mart, this commitment ends up coming down to our customers,'' Duke added. ''Reducing carbon in the life cycle of our products will often mean reducing energy use. That will mean greater efficiency and, with the rising cost of energy, lower costs, making our business stronger and more competitive. And, as we help our suppliers reduce their energy use, costs and carbon footprint, we'll be helping our customers do the same thing.''

Wal-Mart had earlier worked closely with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by asking 20th Century Fox to remove the plastic knob in the centre of its CD cases.