July 19, 2005—Wal-Mart Stores Inc. now claims a novel addition to the skyline in McKinney, Texas—a 120-foot windmill. The 50-kilowatt wind turbine stands as the centerpiece of the new Wal-Mart Supercenter’s environmentally friendly design.
The experimental store will be one of two operated by the retail chain, officials said.
The second store is under construction in Aurora, CO Features in the experimental stores include wind turbines and solar panels to provide energy to light the store’s signs; landscaping with drought-tolerant, native plants to help conserve water; and bermed flowerbeds that use a drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers.
The Texas building also has a solar energy system and advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning and features rubber sidewalks made from recycled tires and grounds prepared to preserve and sustain tree growth.
Other retailers have also been testing similar features. Since 2003, Target Corp. has installed solar panels on rooftops of stores in Los Angeles, and in October will open a store in Michigan that captures rainwater in a rooftop system.
For more information, visit the Wal-Mart Web site.
