By Marianne Wilson
(September 1, 2009) Wal-Mart Stores has opened the latest generation of its high-efficiency pilot store, a 157,000-sq.-ft. Walmart in Youngstown, Ohio. In line with its ongoing commitment of energy conservation and environmental sustainability, the store is designed to be 25% more energy efficient than the 2005 baseline Walmart store.

The new location implements the latest phase of technologies used in the chain’s high-efficiency format, including a water-source heating, cooling and refrigeration system, with the water being used to heat and cool the building; a secondary refrigeration loop that is expected to reduce the initial refrigerant charge by 90%; and an active dehumidification system.

“Walmart continues to stay on the leading edge of sustainable building practices,” said James McClendon, the company’s director of new format development. “Our ongoing commitment to operate in a more energy efficient manner, while working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in this latest pilot of energy efficient stores.”

In addition to the innovative pilot features, the Youngstown location also includes the leading energy-efficient technologies found in the company’s prototype stores:

• Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in refrigerated and freezer cases;
• Daylight harvesting technology;
• Reflective white membrane roof;
• Sensor-activated low-flow bathroom faucets and high-efficiency urinals and toilets;
• Recycled construction materials such as fly-ash, slag, integrally colored concrete floors, and plastic baseboards and chair rails.

Design: The Youngstown Walmart also features the chain’s updated store design, which includes wider aisles and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. The chain aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food, making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries.

Other enhancements include a bright interior color palette, which helps define the store’s merchandise areas, and lower shelving for improved sightlines.