Less than a year after introducing its packaging scorecard, Wal Mart was able to begin using its data to make purchasing decisions. Today, an Ohio dairy supplies Wal-Mart with square milk jugs that pack more efficiently, significantly reducing shipping costs. For its fresh produce, Wal-Mart uses packaging made from a corn-based bioplastic, a renewable resource. Moving to this packaging on only four produce items saved an estimated 800,000 gallons of gas and prevented more than 11 million pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the environment. Eco-friendly packaging has also been created for yogurt, apple juice, liquid laundry detergent, and other items, greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving water, and minimizing the use of plastic resin and cardboard. Smaller packaging for many other products has reduced Wal-Mart’s logistics costs because the items weigh less. CEO Lee Scott announced that the company also is studying how to reduce the use of plastic in packaging bottled water. Wal-Mart doesn’t disclose financial information on its sustainability initiative, but it says the program is already saving money and resources and predicts the broad array of projects will save billions over time. It also points to the continuing evolution of the scorecard, which has encouraged further learning and innovation from its suppliers. In 2008 Scott announced that Wal-Mart would require suppliers to comply with strict ethical and environmental standards, including outside audits. Compliance was not an option for companies that sought to do business with Wal-Mart. By 2012, Wal-Mart will require suppliers to source 95 percent of their production from factories that receive the highest audit ratings. For greater openness, the retailer would also begin tracking factories where its products originate. Scott retired in 2009. During his tenure, Wal-Mart sales nearly tripled. Succeeding Scott is his protégé, Michael T. Duke, who earlier headed Wal-Mart’s logistics and international operations. Industry observers expect Duke to advance Scott’s policies. With international business comprising nearly a fourth of Wal-Mart’s total sales, Duke is also expected to open stores in Russia and China, two high-potential overseas markets.

• When Scott announced Wal-Mart’s sustainability initiative, outside research showed that most consumers didn’t consider the environment in their buying decisions, and only 16 percent were willing to pay more for a “green” product. By taking the lead on eco-friendly products, how has Wal-Mart’s CEO helped change consumer behavior? 

• New CEO Michael Duke is known for his “people skills.” How will that help him continue the sustainability initiative launched by his predecessor? Would you consider Wal-Mart to have ecocentric management?