Wal-Mart gets cooler

The chain's newest store will be a more efficient and enjoyable building this summer

We all know Phoenix is sizzling hot in the summer. But Wal-Mart customers in the Valley of the Sunburns could get a more energy efficient store soon, as the giant retail chain tweaks the architecture of its stores to conserve energy. The company is positioning itself as one of the leaders in energy conservation in the retail industry. The latest store prototype is expected to save up to 45 percent more energy than the Wal-Mart Supercenter. The new HE. 5 architectural design is climate-specific to the West, meaning the efficiency gains come from innovations designed for this region. The new design features innovation in heating, cooling, refrigeration and lighting to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the new cooling system cools water by running it through cooling towers, then pumps the cold water under the retail floor to cool the shopping area. Wal-Mart says it is willing to share these innovative concepts with other stores in the retail industry. The company has a goal to design a store prototype that is 25 to 30 percent more energy efficient by 2009. For more, www.walmartstores.com