Walmart Puerto Rico switches to eco-friendly LEDs in parking lots

San Juan Walmart’s 22 stores in Puerto Rico are switching to GE Evolve LED Area Lights in their parking lots. The completed project is expected to save up to 48% of the electricity traditionally required to light its parking lots, while cutting maintenance costs by an estimated 75%.

“In 2009 alone, Walmart Puerto Rico’s operational energy efficiency initiatives saved more than 8.0-million kWh, equivalent to $1.4 million. A large portion of these energy-efficient initiatives are tied to the continuous lighting improvements that Walmart is working with GE to help us achieve,” says Charles Zimmerman, VP international design and construction for Walmart. “Our latest initiative in Puerto Rico turns a high cost area such as outdoor lighting into an energy efficiency bellwether not only for our company on a global scale, but for the industry as a whole. We know outdoor LED lighting represents a huge opportunity for retailers to make strides economically and environmentally.”

In addition to substantial energy and maintenance cost savings, the new LED parking lot lighting significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with Walmart Puerto Rico’s operations. Newly constructed Walmart stores in Puerto Rico will feature the energy efficient GE Evolve LED Area Lights.

The GE Evolve LED Area Light combines the latest in LED system electronics, thermal management, mechanical and optical design to make the advantages of LED lighting a practical reality in parking lots and general lighting applications.

“Many of our stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so replacing traditional metal halide parking lot lamps every couple years is costly,” adds Zimmerman. “We like the idea that GE’s outdoor LED systems only need to be replaced about every 10 years. In fact, we’re counting on that performance.”

Walmart Puerto Rico launched its Sustainable Development Program in 2007. The initiative established sustainable strategies to maximize energy efficiency, while reducing the amount of solid waste and gas emissions at all Walmart stores, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club membership warehouses, Amigo Supermarkets, and Super Ahorros in Puerto Rico.