Sustainability

Walmart and SunEdison completed three new solar power installations at Walmart stores in Hawaii that are expected to generate huge amounts of electricity.

The three stores in Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Kapolei, double the total number of stores in Hawaii powered by renewable solar energy and join existing installations that are already operational atop the Honolulu Sam’s Club and Mililani Walmart on Oahu, and the Lihue Walmart on Kauai.

BERKELEY, Calif. — Annie's Inc., a manufacturer of natural and organic food, announced that Lawrence (Larry) Peiros has been appointed to its board of directors effective immediately. David Behnke, a managing director at Najeti Ventures, resigned from the board to pursue other interests. Peiros was appointed to the Board to fill the vacancy. 

New York -- Marks & Spencer, one of the leading retailers in the United Kingdom, is set to unveil a new property lease policy under which all new M&S stores will have ‘green’ clauses as standard enabling landlords and tenants to better manage a building's environmental performance.

Durham, N.C. -- When Walmart Neighborhood Market in Mt. Pleasant, Wis., opens later this year, it will join the small but growing ranks of stores that are lit entirely with LEDs. The chain is installing LED technology from Cree, including more than 400 linear luminaires (CS18), for illumination – from the sales floor and pharmacy to restrooms, vestibules and backroom areas. Cree LED lighting will also be installed in the parking lot and exterior areas of the store.
 

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. offered further proof that its turnaround has taken hold, reporting a 61% increase in fourth quarter profit amid strong same-store sales growth across its banners. The results end a strong year for the chain, which also said it was increasing its dividend by 20%.

Kapolei, Hawaii -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Wednesday that, together with SunEdison, it has completed new solar power installations at three Walmart stores in Kahului, Kailua-Kona and Kapolei, Hawaii, doubling the total number of stores in Hawaii powered by renewable solar energy.

The installations contribute to Wal-Mart’s objective of being supplied 100% by renewable energy. Similar installations are already in operation atop the Honolulu Sam's Club and Mililani Walmart on Oahu, and the Lihue Walmart on Kauai.

PROVO, Utah — Target strengthened its sustainability rep recently with the addition of EcoScraps, a provider of organic, chemical- and manure-free lawn and garden products, to its lineup. The sustainable, 100% organic, potting soil is now available at more than 1,700 Target stores nationwide. This marks the first time that EcoScraps will appear on the shelves of a major retailer at the national level.

WASHINGTON — The Lenovo ThinkPad T430s topped TopTen USA's list for energy-efficiency.

The nonprofit group, appaluded he fact that the laptop uses only 7.4 kilowatt hours of electricity in a year of typical use. The average comparable model uses 28 kWh per year—almost 4 times the energy.  On average, TopTen-listed laptops use about half (48%) the energy of comparable models.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea said Wednesday that contractors have been hired and a building permit is pending for its future Miami-Dade store in Sweetwater, Fla., putting the home furnishings retailer on track for a groundbreaking in 60 days and a summer 2014 opening date.

ATLANTA — Ingrid Saunders Jones, SVP global community connections for the Coca-Cola Company and chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation will retire after 30 years with the company, effective June 1. 

A well-respected global leader, Jones joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1982 and has held roles of increasing responsibility around the Company’s corporate giving and community outreach. She has served as Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation since 1991.