The world’s largest company by revenue does not want to be a top source of greenhouse gas emissions. Walmart was already working to reduce emissions from its own operations; last year, the mega-retailer launched Project Gigaton, which aims to help its suppliers do the same. The goal: Helping suppliers avoid 1 billion tons of emissions by 2030, by using more renewable energy and more recycled content in packaging. By the end of 2017, Walmart said it had diverted about 78% of waste from its facilities that would have gone to landfills, thanks to recycling and other measures.
In a separate sustainability effort, Walmart is also moving to cut waste in its grocery business—a significant move from a company that has become the largest grocer in the U.S. Such efforts don’t just protect the environment; they also protect Walmart’s operating margins.
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to more accurately describe the activity covered by Project Gigaton.
Company Information
Impact Segment | Environmental Impact |
Sector | Retailing |
Industry | General Merchandisers |
CEO | C. Douglas McMillon |
Website | www.stock.walmart.com |
Employees | 2,300,000 |
Company Type | Public |
Revenues ($M) (Last Fiscal Year) | $500,343 |
Profits ($M) (Last Fiscal Year) | $9,862 |
Market Value ($M) | $265,337 |