U.K. Walmart subsidiary Asda says it has taken more than 80,000 metric tonnes (approximately 88,000 tons) of CO2 equivalent (CO2-eq) out of its operations since 2007, despite opening 36 stores and serving an additional 2.5 million customers each week. The cut in emissions represents a 7% absolute reduction in CO2-eq in just two years. For every £1 million (approx. US$1.5 million) of sales, the supermarket today produces 66 tonnes (72 tons) of CO2-eq compared to 83 tonnes (91 tons) in 2007.
Asda’s carbon reduction announcement comes after Walmart unveiled plans to eliminate a further 20 million tonnes (22 million tons) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its global supply chain by the end of 2015. This represents 150% of the company’s estimated global carbon footprint growth over the next five years and is the equivalent of taking more than 3.8 million cars off the road for a year.
Along with the reduction of carbon emissions and GHGs, Asda says it is also its focusing on product innovation. The retailer has already developed Respectful Eggs, which use 50% less carbon to produce but cost the same as a standard, free range egg. Asda is also trialling a refillable fabric conditioner dispenser, where customers can refill their 1.5-L pouches up to 10 times, saving them nearly 40p (US60 cents) each visit and reducing the amount of plastic packaging waste by up to 96%. Innovation in pork, dairy, and textiles are planned for later in 2010.
