Electronics
We are working to reduce the energy consumption of the products we have on our shelves. In 2008, we set a three-year goal to work with our suppliers to make the most energy-intensive products in our stores around the world 25 percent more energy efficient based on a 2008 baseline. Using the same baseline, we are also working with suppliers to increase the efficiency of flat-screen televisions by 30 percent by 2010.
Americas
United States
Throughout 2008, we laid the groundwork to make certain products we sell more energy efficient by working with our suppliers. So far, we have made progress in moving toward our goals in this area.
- We are working with suppliers to make the most energy-intensive products in our stores 25 percent more energy efficient based on a 2008 baseline. Products falling in this category include personal computers, video game consoles, air conditioners and televisions. By May 2009, all of the laptop computers and one-third of the desktop computers we sell in the U.S. will be ENERGY STAR® 4.0-compliant.
- As of January 2009, 75 percent of our air conditioning units are ENERGY STAR®-certified, making significant progress toward our goal to have all of the air conditioning units we sell ENERGY STAR®-rated by 2010. To learn more about ENERGY STAR® and ENERGY STAR® certification visit: http://www.energystar.gov.
- We are also working with our suppliers to make all of the flat-panel televisions we sell 30 percent more efficient by 2010 based on a 2008 baseline.
In addition to making certain products more energy efficient, we are working to double the sale of products that help make homes more energy efficient by 2011 based on a 2008 baseline. Products falling under this category include caulk, weather stripping, air filters, programmable thermostats, expanding foam and power strips. Each of these products helps a home reduce wasted energy due to poor seals or phantom power consumption.
We are also working to bring more RoHS-compliant electronics into our customers' homes. RoHS-compliant (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) electronics have eliminated certain substances from being used during the production of the item. We are making all of our televisions, personal computers, MP3 players, video games and cameras RoHScompliant. So far, all of our televisions and personal computers meet this standard.
Asia
Japan
Seiyu in Japan is increasing demand for energy-efficient electronics by informing its customers about the 4-starcertified, energy-efficient appliances carried in the store. Due to additional customer education, Seiyu has also seen a 30 percent increase in CFL sales.
China
Wal-Mart China is actively promoting the production and sale of energy-efficient products by raising customer awareness and hosting electronics trade-in events. In 2008 alone, Wal-Mart China hosted 400 electronics trade-in events. These events helped customers properly dispose of their e-waste, lowered pollution and drove 1.4 percent of all new television sales. Wal-Mart China plans to host as many as 100 of these events per month by 2011.
