Friday, November 12, 2010

Wal-Mart Canada opens its first sustainable fresh food facility

Wal-Mart Canada has opened its first sustainable fresh food distribution center that will be an estimated 60 percent more energy-efficient than the company’s traditional refrigerated centers. The retailer expects a savings of approximately $4.8 million in energy costs over five years.

Wal-Mart Canada has invested $115 million to build the 400,000 square foot center, which is one of Canada’s largest refrigerated buildings. The Balzac facility includes the company’s first pilot programs for hydrogen fuel cells, solar thermal and wind power.

The hydrogen fuel cells replace traditional lead acid batteries in the facility’s entire fleet of 71 material handling vehicles. The program is expected to reduce C02 emissions from the vehicle fleet by 55 percent or an estimated 530 tonnes annually. Their use will also improve productivity and result in a cost-avoidance of an estimated $1.3 million over five years, says Wal-Mart.

-Environmental Leader

For the full story: www.environmentalleader.com

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