Wal-Mart Stores Inc. recently opened its second experimental Supercenter. The Aurora, Colo.-based store joins the other environmentally friendly store opened in McKinney, Texas, over the summer.
More than 500 tons of Denver Stapleton Airport's runway, crushed up and recycled, has been used in the store's foundation. Used vegetable oil from the store's Deli and used motor oil from the store's Tire and Lube Express will be burned to help heat the store.
"Our (300) associates are excited to be able to serve our Denver neighbors and use this unique store to show how our company is working towards a more energy efficient building," says Charlie Harris, Wal-Mart store manager.
The goals behind both experimental stores are:
* to reduce the amount of energy and natural resources required to operate and maintain the stores, and
* to reduce the amount of raw materials needed to construct the facility and, when appropriate, substitute renewable materials.
Some of the key experiments include the use of solar and wind power, waste oil boilers, porous pavements, radiant floor heating that will help keep pedestrian areas clear of snow, and unique fabric duct air systems to heat and cool the building efficiently.
Wal-Mart CEO and President Lee Scott stated in a recent speech that Wal- Mart is committed to building a new prototype that will be 25% to 30% more efficient and produce 30% less greenhouse gas emissions than current stores within the next four years.
