Walmart and Current by GE Achieve Milestone of 1.5 Million LED Fixtures Worldwide

January 23, 2018

As part of an ongoing commitment to energy efficiency, the world’s largest retailer has now installed more than 1.5 million LED (light emitting diode) fixtures across 6,000 stores, parking lots, distribution centres and corporate offices in 10 countries.

With energy costs traditionally representing one of the company’s largest operating expenses, the monumental energy initiative over the past decade has reduced lighting energy consumption and reduced costs by more than US$100 million.

“Energy is one of the key operating expenses that we can reduce while delivering system upgrades that improve the customer shopping experience,” says Mark Vanderhelm, Walmart’s Vice President of Energy. “The ripple effect from these LED conversions throughout the business is truly staggering.”

The LED commercial lighting initiative between Walmart and Current by GE started 10 years ago with refrigeration display lighting, and has grown to include parking lot and interior lighting. Many stores now also feature Current’s TriGain technology, which is engineered to improve product visibility and enhance colour vibrancy in areas like produce departments.

“Walmart is setting a great example for the retail industry to follow,” says Maryrose Sylvester, President and CEO of Current by GE. “We believe the global LED and controls transformation is paving the way for the next generation of smart retail, where steady advancement toward new digital solutions will continue improving the shopping experience. Walmart is once again on the leading edge of progress.”

Walmart’s investment in energy efficiency has reduced energy use per square foot by more than 12% since 2010. Its LED investments are part of Walmart’s emissions reduction plan aimed at meeting its goal to reduce 2015-level emissions 18% by 2025 through greater energy efficiency, sourcing of renewable energy and improvements in refrigeration systems, and fleet efficiency.