Gore Praises Wal-Mart
for Sustainability Plans
July 13, 2006 — By Marcus Kabel, Associated Press
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Former Vice
President Al Gore on Wednesday praised Wal-Mart for a newfound focus on
environmental sustainability, saying the retailer showed there is no
conflict between the environment and the economy.
"I believe that this kind of commitment is so important that the rest of
the world is likely to be listening and learning," Gore told an auditorium
of more than 800 Wal-Mart employees, suppliers and outside experts who are
advising the company.
Chief Executive Lee Scott last October said Wal-Mart would become a leader
in sustainability, with three goals: reducing waste to zero, moving toward
using only renewable energy and offering more products made in a way that
preserves the environment.
Gore spoke after screening his anti-global-warming documentary "An
Inconvenient Truth." He received a standing ovation and cheers from the
audience.
Gore said some people questioned whether Wal-Mart was serious about the
environment, then added: "Have you ever know Wal-Mart not to follow
through on a big commitment of this kind? I have not."
Gore said Scott had recognized not just the danger of global warming and a
moral obligation to act, but also a business opportunity in innovation.
"The message from Wal-Mart today to the rest of the business community is,
there need not be any conflict between the environment and the economy. We
will find the way not only to reconcile (those), but to find new profits
and new opportunities as we do the right thing," Gore said.
Scott called the retailer's focus on the environment a "higher purpose" in
line with founder Sam Walton's vision of the company. Scott told the
conference that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. must use its size to improve
environmental standards in-house and among its 60,000 suppliers.
Scott took the environmental offensive at a time when Wal-Mart is under
attack from organized labor and other groups for its business practices,
including employee pay and health benefits.
Union-funded critics said Wal-Mart was not doing enough to counter their
claims it skimps on worker pay and benefits. Wal-Mart denies those claims.
"I think most people have a difficult time understanding why Wal-Mart
can't become both a more 'environmentally-friendly' as well as a more
'employee-friendly' company that pays a living wage, provides affordable
health care, and is good for America," said Chris Kofinis from campaign
group WakeUpWalMart.com.
During the conference, company officials said Wal-Mart has huge potential
to reduce greenhouse gases.
Last year, Wal-Mart emitted the equivalent of 20.8 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, while the best estimate for its
supply chain -- all the production and shipping needed to fill Wal-Mart
shelves -- is 10 times that, said Jim Stanway, director of project
development in Wal-Mart's energy department.
Wal-Mart disclosed its carbon dioxide figure for the first time this year.
Scientists have become increasingly concerned in recent years about the
amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by the burning of
fossil fuels. Average worldwide temperatures have risen this century as a
result of what many believe is a greenhouse effect from that pollution.
Charles Zimmerman, who works in developing new Wal-Mart stores, said the
company was already reducing energy demand by installing more efficient
lighting and retrofitting refrigerators.
New store prototypes in the works will use design and technology to be 30
percent more efficient than today's stores and in the longer term 50
percent more efficient.
Source: Associated Press