Snowmass, Colo., 27 December 2007—Rocky Mountain Institute today announced it has received a donation of $250,000 from the Wal-Mart Foundation, the charity arm of the Arkansas-based retailer. The Wal-Mart Foundation made the donation to support RMI’s cutting-edge work on various initiatives that encourage the efficient use of energy and resources. “We owe a great deal of credit to the staff of RMI,” said Tom Mars, Wal-Mart Executive Vice President and General Counsel. “Without the kind of thought leadership the Institute brings to this arena, we wouldn’t be as far along in our sustainability efforts as we are.” Rocky Mountain Institute has worked with Wal-Mart for many years, primarily on making Wal-Mart’s trucking fleet and large stores more energy efficient. “I think Wal-Mart is one of the leaders in the corporate sustainability space,” said RMI Executive Director Marty Pickett. “They’re genuine in their commitment and this [grant] is evidence of that.”
Wal-Mart’s CEO Lee Scot announced his company’s intention to green up its operations in an October 2005 speech titled “Twenty-First Century Leadership.” In that speech, Scott announced Wal-Mart’s new environmental goals, which included using100 percent renewable energy, creating zero waste, and selling products that sustain natural resources and the environment. Pickett noted that this $250,000 will provide significant support for RMI’s continued work on fuel-efficient vehicles, high-performance buildings, and utility and industrial energy efficiency.
Tom Mars (far right), Wal-Mart's Executive VP and General Counsel, presents
the Wal-Mart Foundation check to Marty Pickett and Amory Lovins. Long time
RMI supporter Tom Crumm is on the far left.
For additional information, contact: Cameron Burns, cburns@rmi.org, 970-927-3851
