Photo courtesy Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada is constructing an energy-efficient distribution centre in Balzac, Alta., as part of its long-term environmental goal of producing zero waste and being 100 per cent powered by renewable energy.

Walmart Canada is continuing its focus on energy-efficient construction and operation by opening a sustainable distribution centre, and installing rooftop solar and wind turbine systems.

The 41,806-m² (450,000-sf) distribution centre will open in Balzac, Alta., in the fall of this year, and is estimated to be 60 per cent more energy-efficient than the company's current refrigerated centres. Walmart Canada is investing $150 million in the construction and the centre is expected to create 1400 new jobs, explained Karin Campbell, corporate affairs manager.

"We are piloting the use of solar in that facility. It will be the first use of solar in one of our distribution centres in Canada," she said. "There are plans to build a wind turbine here and at another location in Ontario. The solar application will be on the side of the centre and will be used to heat water for the facility."

Some of the sustainable features include:
• hydrogen fuel cells in the material-handling fleet;
• solar and wind energy use;
• high-efficiency doorways between temperature zones to minimize heat transfer;
• low-flow sinks, toilets, and urinals in washrooms; and
• increased roof insulation to reduce energy loss.

Walmart will also test solar system and wind turbine power, which will be installed at two separate company locations in Ontario. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and the combined investment for both is $2 million.

Power generated from them will be returned to the electrical grid under Ontario's feed-in tariff program for renewable energy. The company will use these pilot projects to assess the effectiveness and potential benefits to possibly power some of the stores in the future.

The rooftop solar power system is expected to annually generate 450,000 kWh of energy—enough to supply 39 average-size Canadian households. It will also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 80 tonnes per year.

The wind turbine will have a 20-kW system and is expected to generate as much as 50,000 kWh of electricity per year—enough power for four average-size Canadian households. It has been designed for low wind-speed areas where wind power has been impractical, and can operate in wind speeds as low as 10 km/h (6 mph).