Walmart, Wisconsin’s largest retailer and employer -- and one of our favorite accounts -- was named one of the state’s top environmental companies May 14 in competition sponsored by the Wisconsin Manufacturer’s & Commerce.

The judges awarded Walmart first place for pollution reduction in its “Business Friend of the Environment Award” contest for Walmart’s efforts to dramatically improve its energy efficiency, reduce waste and minimize its environmental impact.

“Walmart has become a national and state leader in sustainability because it makes excellent business sense by reducing costs and enabling us to offer lower prices to customers,” said Lisa Nelson, Wisconsin public affairs manager for Wal-Mart.

Walmart, the judges said, was awarded the prize for its sweeping set of programs including new energy-saving store designs represented by its new Supercenter in Monona. The store includes its new, patented waste-recycling system, the use of LED, computer-controlled lighting and water-saving technologies. “We’re working on sustainability in just about every aspect of our operation,” said Monona Walmart Store Manager Chad Wyman.

Walmart has publicly stated that its sustainability goals for the company are; to use 100 percent renewable energy, produce zero net waste, and improve to sell products that sustain our resources and our environment.

“We’re not just changing how we do things, we’re changing our entire culture to embrace sustainability, ranging from education of our employees, offering more sustainable products, and reducing the environmental impact of our operations,” Nelson said.