Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  September 21, 2020

Walmart commits to zero emissions by 2040

Walmart announced Sept. 21 that they are committed to achieving zero emissions across their global operations by 2040 and to being a regenerative company by supporting the protection, management or restoration of at least 50 million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030.

The retail giant plans to reach their emissions target without the use of carbon offsets by focusing on sourcing 100% renewable energy for their operations by 2035 and by electrifying their vehicles, including long-haul trucks, but 2040. Additionally, Walmart intends to transition to low-impact refrigerants for cooling and electrified equipment for heating in their stores, clubs and data and distribution centers by 2040.

“We want to play an important role in transforming the world’s supply chains to be regenerative. We face a growing crisis of climate change and nature loss and we all need to take action with urgency,” Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart, Inc., said in a statement. “For 15 years, we have been partnering to do the work and continually raising our sustainability ambitions across climate action, nature, waste and people. The commitments we’re making today not only aim to decarbonize Walmart’s global operations, they also put us on the path to becoming a regenerative company – one that works to restore, renew and replenish in addition to preserving our planet, and encourages others to do the same.”

The second part of Walmart’s new commitment, seeking ways to be a regenerative company, will include continuing their support of efforts that preserve at least one acre of natural habitat for every acre of land developed by Walmart in the U.S. and driving the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.

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