The Business Ethics Blog

First it was energy efficient lightbulbs. Now, retailing super-power Wal-Mart has set its sights on solar energy.

According to the Financial Times,

Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) , the world’s largest retailer and the largest private employer in the US, is regularly beset with superlatives. It may be now on the way to adding another, as it takes the first steps towards becoming the US’s largest user of solar power.

At the end of next month the retailer will receive proposals from companies that are interested in installing solar power equipment at a yet-to-be-determined number of its stores in as many as five US states. Initial projects would be carried out this year, but the retailer has also asked bidders for “expansion or build-out plans, including projected prices and costs, over the next five years”.

Just one more reason to believe my prediction about Wal-Mart, namely that, before long, the much-maligned company will be at the top of business ethics / CSR rankings. Anyone taking bets?