Walmart
 
BEIJING – Walmart recently unveiled a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chain by 1 billion metric tons — a gigaton — by 2030, equal to the emissions from more than 211 million average passenger vehicles in a year. In China, the company has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million metric tons as part of this goal.

Through Project Gigaton, Walmart wants to engage all its export and domestic suppliers in China, starting with 100 of the company’s top suppliers. Walmart said more than 400 suppliers in China, India, the United States and other countries have joined the program which Walmart will continue to expand.

“As a global company, we are proud to use our reach to help create a more sustainable future, for our customers, associates, and the communities we serve,” Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said in a speech he made at Tsinghua Univ. “We believe that business can accelerate environmental progress while delivering economic growth. That’s why we’re committed to taking a shared value approach to our work in China and around the world.”

Walmart has created a digital resource center in Mandarin and English with tools, case studies, and program resources on emissions reduction in the value chain to provide resources to suppliers in China.

McMillon also announced Walmart’s new commitment to reduce the carbon intensity (on a per revenue basis) of the company’s own operations in China, which includes stores, clubs, distribution centers and other facilities, by an additional 25 percent by 2025, 70 percent below 2005 levels. This commitment is part of a global goal to reduce emissions in Walmart operations 18 percent by 2025, the company said.

The company plans to accomplish this goal by driving operational efficiency and harnessing clean renewable energy such as wind and solar. Walmart will be participating in the Chinese government’s Green Building Program for Hypermarkets in the coming year.

“Walmart has a rich history of collaboration with key stakeholders in China and we’re excited to bring our latest sustainability initiative, Project Gigaton, to China,” said Wern-Yuen Tan, president and CEO of Walmart China. “Integrating more sustainable practices into our operations, resource management and sourcing efforts can spur technological innovation, inspire brand loyalty and increase associate engagement.”

Walmart plans to open 30 to 40 new stores in 2018 to include five Sam’s Clubs and a new supermarket format.