Expansion Management

Do I Have To Root For Wal-Mart?

Feb. 13, 2010

I might. Wal-Mart Canada announced that it will build the first sustainable refrigerated distribution center. Located in Balzac, Alberta it will feature fuel-cell-powered lift trucks, low-energy solid-state (LED) lighting, solar and wind energy, a white roof membrane, fuel-cell-powered lift trucks and more, according to Material Handling Management.

You have to admire how the company is pulling out all of the sustainability stops.

With an investment of $115 million, the 450,000-square foot facility will be about 60% more energy efficient than the company's traditional DCs, Wal-Mart says.

How many ways can this facility be environmentally correct?

Lighting -- The entire facility will be lit by LED lighting saving 1.4 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Solar Energy - Will install 16 solar thermal panels on the side of the facility that will supply energy to heat the hot water in the facility

Wind Energy -- A 225-kilowatt wind turbine will be installed

Material Handling Systems -- See Material Handling Management

Refrigeration System - Will use ammonia instead of refrigerants with the waste heat from the refrigeration system heating the facility during the winter months

Doorways - Install high-efficiency doorways between temperature zones, insulated dock plates, upgraded dock seals and a white roof membrane that deflects an estimated 85% of sunlight to reduce heat gain and demand on the electrical grid

Floors -Contain fly asha byproduct of coal burning at electric utility plantsto reduce the use of cement and replace chemical-intensive tiling

And in case you think they haven't thought of everything the company will divert 50% of the waste produced during construction away from landfills while the construction process itself will be powered by renewable energy.

I think you have to root for this facility.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.