Walmart sustainability goals on track

Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart has released detailed plans regarding the progress of its emissions reduction efforts.

According to the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, the retailer is making progress toward its commitment to increase economic opportunity for associates and local communities, build sustainability in supply chains and activate climate change initiatives.

Walmart’s progress so far includes making its fleets more fuel-efficient, improving its refrigeration systems and powering 50% of its operations with renewable energy by 2025, the report said.

“Through ESG initiatives, our goal is not only minimizing our own footprint or mitigating risk, but to inspire collective action to help transform the sector for long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, Walmart’s chief sustainability officer.

Walmart’s goals include:

Climate Change Impact Scenario Analysis – Walmart worked with an independent third-party consultant to better understand the nature of climate change and potential implications for the retail sector aiming to align with the scenario guidance set forth by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Walmart reports a 6.1% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2017 compared with 2015.

Project Gigaton - Walmart made advancements on its Project Gigaton goals with suppliers reporting avoiding more than 93 million metric tons of emissions over the last two years. Launched in 2017, Project Gigaton is a global effort that invites suppliers to join Walmart in a commitment to avoid 1 billion metric tons of emissions in the company’s collective value chains by 2030.