Dive Brief:

• Walmart will increase the solar at its U.S. stores, distribution centers, and Sam’s Clubs by 2020.
• The company is already the biggest U.S. on-site solar user, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
• Walmart’s 240 solar projects have relieved the company from paying for approximately 4.8 million kilowatt-hours of utility billed electricity.

Dive Insight:

Walmart plans to procure enough renewable energy capacity by the end of 2020 to generate 7 billion kilowatt-hours at its stores globally, a 600% increase from 2010 levels. The sustainability achievements were highlighted by President Obama during a recent speech at a Walmart in California advocating renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Walmart has also committed to reduce its energy intensity by 20% compared to 2010 levels. The cumulative savings from its renewables and energy efficiency investments are expected to save Walmart $1 billion per year.