Pioneers Of Sustainability: Lee Scott

Walmart’s numbers are nothing less than astonishing. From being the largest employer on a private scale that has offered more than 2 million jobs. Lee Scott’s venture has been the largest retailer in the world with branches in more than 28 countries. The success’s credit goes to none other than President Lee Scott who always aimed to work in such a way to get a sustainable success and environment. Here is why we think so.

Environmental Stability

Walmart has been achieving its goals without setting a timeline. There are more than 9600 stores worldwide and a huge network of supply chains. Amidst all this, Lee Scot made sure that the suppliers were selected in such a way who contributed for the best of the environment. The suppliers made sure that the waste being released was minimized. The energy was cut down including the use of less toxic materials and water. This initiative by Scott was for both customers and suppliers. The company is focused on environmental ambitions. In this way, all the communities in which Walmart operates are sourcing their goods ethically and operating in line with environmental sustainability.

There are more than 9600 Walmart stores worldwide and amidst this, Lee Scot made sure that the suppliers were selected in such a way who contributed for the best of the environment.

A Good Force

All the initiatives by Lee Scott have ensured that the company is at least close to its mark of sustainability. Since the growth of Walmart is staggering, it makes it very hard to minimize costs and maintain sustainable practices. However, despite facing challenges, Walmart makes sure that there are strong labor unions, environmental unions, and local activists or communities that exerts a positive pressure on the suppliers, customers, and employees.

Melissa’s Paint Can

Walmart soon started focusing on its sustainable marketing projects. The aim was to take an initiative that was low-cost, benefits employees and minimizes waste. Melissa’s paint can be one such project with innovation, long term effects and a game-changer. This project painted a picture of sustainability that Scott aimed to practice in his business. The main lesson was that anything we do is basically for customers to save money and for us to save the environment. The innovation was meant to change the way society looks at businesses, especially Walmart itself.

Ripple Effect

A sharp eye is kept on even a small change whether in production or packaging which can have seemingly large effects on the environment. This is known as the ripple effect. Introduction of new material such as paper bags was a big initiative for environmental protection. Its cost was to be accounted for simultaneously as well. Secondly, the marketing campaigns itself can harm the environment, Scott monitors each campaign, its cost, effect on audience, and environment as well. Perhaps, all these changes are witnessed in the supply chain, so Walmart wins by noticing every small change rather than ignoring it.

Promoting Internal Champions

Certain internal champions play a huge role in the sustainability of the environment. Few of the contributions are as follows: Greenhouse-gases were reduced by 12.7%, at least 80% of the waste was turned away from the landfills, and more than 180 new projects for renewable energy were initiated.  

Acres for America was a program that was brought to light by Lee Scott, which has allocated 690,000 acres of land for protection from any sort of new development project. It is very similar to a campaign by Walmart where efforts are made for preservation.

Influencing a Big Change

Scott never wastes time in bringing a big change. There were several negative criticisms of not giving raises to employees or any sort of compensation. As per the president, if the salary of employees is unilaterally increased, then the sustainability of the environment would be at a disadvantage. As they were focusing on the goals set in 2005 that were the creation of zero waste, supplying total renewable energy, and products that are sustainable for the environment. Scott argues to bring change overall it means everyone must contribute, not just Walmart. He believes that everyone should be on the same page so that if pay rise is to be considered, then Walmart is not the only force, every other company needs to come together for the cause.

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Business Takeaways

• It is very important to set missions before planning any business strategy.  
• Each marketing or any business decision should be in line with the sustainability goals that are supported by customers as well.
• Customers should be given priority when planning any new strategy so that it becomes a value addition in their lives. It would cause them to associate with your brand.

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