Wal-Mart Opens 2nd Experimental Supercenter

Aurora, Colo., Wal-Mart stores opened an experimental “green” supercenter in Aurora, Colo., on Tuesday. The 206,00-sq.-ft. store features numerous energy-saving and environmentally friendly features, including wind and solar power, waste-oil boilers, porous pavements, radiant floor heating and fabric-duct air systems to heat and cool the building efficiently.

This is the second of two experimental stores planned by the discounter. The first, in McKinney, Texas, opened this past summer. The goal for both units was to reduce the amount of energy and natural resources required to operate and maintain the stores, reduce the amount of raw materials needed to construct the facilities, and substitute, when appropriate, renewable materials.

“Wal-Mart wants to be a leader in corporate responsibility for the environment and our shareholders,” says Pat Curran, executive VP of Wal-Mart USA. “We want to continue our efforts and education about environmental sustainability and how it applies to our business.”