Walmart Asia environmental program saves 20% in energy costs

Hong Kong -- The Asia arm of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it has achieved energy savings of 20% across 210 supplier factories in China.



According to Walmart Asia president and CEO Scott Price, the factories have “cut their energy consumption by a minimum of 20% as of December 2012, saving approximately 2.168 billion kWh, a number equivalent to powering 1.46 million homes for an entire year."



Walmart's sixth annual Global Responsibility Report highlighted Asia’s contributions to its global responsibility efforts, supported by Hong Kong Productivity Council, a Hong Kong-based government organization, and The Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs.



Key achievements of the Asia initiative include reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in China and Japan by 11.3% and 20% respectively by the end of 2012 compared to a 2005 baseline.



Walmart has also championed a reduction in the use of plastic bags, by the end of 2012, Walmart reported an 86%, 90% and 40% decrease in the consumption of plastic bags in China, India and Japan respectively.