Sustainability Consulting
Walmart Sustainability
Full Credential Description
Walmart faced the significant challenge of addressing its greenhouse gas emissions, particularly given that the majority of its emissions were located within its value chain. To tackle this issue, Walmart committed to a science-based target to reduce its absolute emissions by 18% by 2025 from 2015 levels. This commitment marked Walmart as the first retailer to set such a target, highlighting its leadership role in the retail sector and its influence on global emissions reduction efforts.
The tailored solution involved not only Walmart's direct emissions reductions but also a collaborative approach with suppliers and customers to achieve a broader impact. Walmart aimed to work with its suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture and use of their products by one billion tons between 2015 and 2030. This scope 3 target was particularly significant, as it required Walmart to engage with its suppliers, many of whom, like Dell, Diageo, General Mills, Kellogg, and Sony, already had science-based targets in place.
The quantifiable results of Walmart's commitment are expected to prevent significant amounts of CO2 from entering the atmosphere over the next decade. The ripple effect of Walmart's leadership in setting these targets is anticipated to inspire other retailers and consumer-facing companies to adopt similar practices, thereby multiplying the positive impact on global emissions. This initiative not only positions Walmart as a leader in sustainability but also aligns with the broader goal of meeting the pledges made in the Paris Agreement, showcasing the potential for businesses to play a crucial role in combating climate change.