Sustainability

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced it has eliminated more than 80% of the waste that would go to landfills from its operations in California by implementing a comprehensive waste reduction program. The results far exceed national average where EPA estimates only 45% of waste is diverted from landfills and the California rate of 65%.

The program is now being rolled out across the chain’s 4,400 stores, Sam’s Club locations and distribution centers in the United States, moving the retailer closer to its global goal of creating zero waste.

NEW YORK — After Apple began giving consumers the option to receive paperless receipts, it seems that other retailers are following suit, according to published reports.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced the deployment of five rooftop solar arrays for Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in Puerto Rico. The solar program is made possible through a solar energy service agreement where Sun Edison, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, will design, deploy, operate and maintain over three megawatts of solar technologies across the five locations with no upfront costs to Walmart.

Niagara, Ontario -- Niagara’s largest shopping center has launched a $13 million renovation featuring an environmentally- and shopper-friendly redesign inspired by Niagara’s vineyards, parks, gardens and trails.

“The design focus of the renovation will meet the Canada Green Building Council LEED-CI designation,” said Pen Centre manager John Bragagnolo. “Our aim is to ensure that the shopping center provides the best shopping experience with the least environmental impact possible.”

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in partnership with Shinsegae, it has opened Paju Premium Outlets, its second Premium Outlet Center in South Korea.

The 328,000-sq.-ft. center houses 160 stores, including international and domestic brands. Strategically located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the center is approximately 50 minutes northwest of downtown Seoul.

By Jeff Green

Chicago -- Jones Lang LaSalle today Thursday that the firm is donating $1.25 million to the Japanese Red Cross to provide aid and relief following the Japan earthquake and Pacific Tsunami that have left a path of destruction in their wake.

New York City -- Schneider Electric and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are collaborating to enhance the current demand response credit for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.