The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), administered by the NC State University Industrial Extension Service (IES) has partnered with the world’s largest retailer in an effort to save customers money, help suppliers conform to the company’s sustainability expectations and help ensure a better world for generations to come.
In 2009, Walmart implemented a plan to tackle three main sustainability goals: supply the company with 100% renewable energy, create zero waste and offer products that sustain people and the environment. To do this, they implemented an annual scorecard which their suppliers are asked to complete. The scorecard, developed by The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), measures key performance indicators for over 100 product categories like increasing sustainability, integrating sustainability in merchandise buying and selling, creating a more resilient supply chain and strengthening customers’ trust in the brands Walmart sells. Suppliers who adhere to and improve their index scores are specially recognized by Walmart for their efforts.
NCMEP now joins other institutions like Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas in partnering with TSC to help influence and guide the scorecards, metrics and measures, utilizing special access to TSC’s processes, decisions and toolkits.
Sustainability is a key area of expertise at IES. Through a variety of customized solutions, businesses are guided toward ways to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining regulatory compliance. Corporations who operate with environmentally sound and sustainable processes may gain a competitive advantage that can positively impact their bottom line through cost savings and enhanced marketability.
“We can make a positive difference on environmental issues and simultaneously reduce costs and run a better business,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart Stores, Inc. “The concepts of low prices and preserving our environment aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Walmart leaders predict that by the end of 2017, seventy percent of the goods they sell in US stores will come from suppliers who conform to their sustainability standards. The annual Sustainability Scorecards are due May 1.