Nov. 11, 2008 - Soon after opening its first energy-efficient location in Beijing, Wal-Mart says it is planning green upgrades for all 113 of its Chinese stores within the next five years, China Daily reports.

The company is planning to fit its existing outlets with more sustainable equipment, keeping the older equipment to serve as back up, according to Ron Virta, vice-president of the merchandise development of Wal-Mart China.

Wal-Mart's new energy-saving Beijing store, which opened last month, is equipped with LED lighting and motion sensors that control lighting during off-peak hours and in low traffic areas. Refrigerators and coolers have sliding glass doors as a way to conserve energy, while the water running from the refrigeration system is purified and reused.

The new store will consume 23% percent less electricity and 17% percent less water annually, compared to a typical store in 2005, Wal-Mart says.

In its effort to make Wal-Mart China the "most environmentally responsible retailer in China," the retailer is also working with suppliers and manufacturers to green it supply chain. Key goals include: powering 100% percent of its operations by renewable energy, achieving zero waste, and selling more products that sustain Wal-Mart's resources and the environment.

In addition, Wal-Mart projects that, by reducing 5% of packaging materials by 2013, it will save about $3.4 billion, and over $11 billion within its global supply chain.

Last month in Beijing, Wal-Mart outlined its roadmap for building a more environmentally and socially responsible global supply chain. It announced strict expectations it is introducing next year for companies who want to do business with the retailer.

Interested in learning more about Wal-Mart's new supplier certification program for Chinese textile and electronics manufacturers? Join us for Sustainable Brands International in Miami Beach, Fla., Dec. 9-11, where 300 brand and sustainability leaders will gather to hear Beth Keck, Sr. Director of International Sustainability at Wal-Mart and Karen Ho, Director of Business Engagement at World Wildlife Fund who is leading the certification effort in China and others speak about their efforts.