# Lowes
A conversation about working to protect the planet, featuring observations from the public.
Response pending
Sustainable
What is good and lasting, from the perspective of environmentally-oriented customers
These are cool, though they do break down. Can they have better batteries?
White roofing cuts energy use and addresses global warming.
I like that they feature electric, rechargeable yard tools that are so much cleaner than the gas ones.
I like that they feature energy usage for their appliances (which is probably required). Can they maintain higher standards for the products they carry?
These lithium backup systems are so much cleaner than the gas generators.
Low-flow toilets in the bathroom.
Lots of LED options … so much better than fluorescents or incandescents.
Much more efficient than air conditioning.
They have some smart energy technology.
According to their sustainability web site, their emissions have gone down while their revenue went up. But they have a LONG way to go.
They have set a number of BOLD goals. I hope they can make it. Note that more than half of their energy appears to come from sources that are not renewable.
Another bold goal, eliminating emissions from their vehicles … when 99% of their trucks must be diesel. How can they possibly drive this much change in the next 17 years?
Unsustainable
What is wasteful or an opportunity for improvement
For some reason, this facility does not appear to have solar on top, at least according to Google Earth.
Electric charging stations (no where in sight) might encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.
Seems like Walmart could drive a conversation about solving the plastics problem. Most of this plastic probably lands in landfill.
Trucks are all diesel … and I couldn’t find any charging stations. They could really drive a change in this industry.
Are there alternatives that are not so harsh on the planet?
These refridgeration units must really suck up the energy. How far along is Walmart in converting to more efficient units?
Store experience starts with an impressive wall of plastic that is likely to end up in landfill.
Feature showerheads that are more efficient. These all use a huge amount of water .. in California.
Would be great to feature cleaners that are biodegradeable.
Huge parking lot would be ideal for solar canopies … in a state with expensive power (California)
Huge parking lot would be ideal for solar canopies … in a state with expensive power (California)
Solutions
What the company is doing in each of these areas …and how far along they are.
Conduct Building Energy Audit
Maximize On-Site Solar
Show Energy Use to Building Occupants
Retrofit Building to Save Energy
Purchase Renewable Energy
Use Software to Manage Energy
Upgrade HVAC System
Heat Water with Solar Energy
Use Reusable Flatware / Install Dishwashers
Use Containers Made from Recycled & Compostable Materials
Use Recycled Paper or other Sustainable Alternatives
Provide Clearly Marked Recycling Facilities
Use a Green Bank
Purchase Green Insurance
Pivot to More Sustainable Business
Set Aggressive Goals for Reducing Carbon
Regulate Employee Travel
Solicit Employee or Customer Ideas About Reducing Waste
Allow Employees to Work from Home
Incentivize Use of Public Transportation or Car Pooling
Set Challenging Standards for Supply Chain
Convene Industry Peers to Promote Sustainability
Lobby for Sensible Green Policy
Fund Industry Sustainability Organizations
Identify Unsustainable Products
Buy Green Alternatives at Scale to Drive the Price Down
Seek Alternatives to Unsustainable Products
Promote Alternatives to Unsustainable Products
Electrify Transportation
Provide Vehicle Charging
Convert Waste to Energy
Install Food Digesters
Install Automatic Faucets
Recycle Water
Collect Rain Water
Replace grass with native alternatives
Measure Scope 1 Emissions
Measure Scope 2 Emissions
Measure Scope 3 Emissions
Create a Carbon Plan
Get Certified as Green Business
Get LEED Certified
Become a B-Corp
Join 1% for the Planet