Walgreens 2006 Annual Report Download - page 13

In January 2006, Walgreens launched an initiative
to install solar electric systems in approximately
100 stores in several states, including California,
Colorado and New Jersey. Utility and tax incentives
made this project economically feasible, and we’re
already seeing savings from it.
Solar roof tiles allow each location to produce
approximately 20 percent of its electricity
requirements. We anticipate this will generate
nearly 14 million kilowatt-hours per year, putting
Walgreens at the forefront of solar usage among
national retailers.
Walgreens is also pursuing energy savings
projects such as:
• Improving the controls on heating, cooling
and lighting to use less energy while
keeping stores comfortable.
• Using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs
instead of neon lights in exterior signs
to lower electric consumption.
• Investigating the use of hybrid vehicles
to lower gas usage.
We’re saving energy
2006 Walgreens Annual Report Page 11
Whether we’re sponsoring local fundraisers to fight cancer or
providing free health services in underserved communities, good
corporate citizenship has been part of our creed for 105 years.
W
hen Joel Burton, executive
assistant manager in Huber
Heights, Ohio, heard
Walgreens needed team
captains for the American Cancer Society’s
Relay For Life events, he jumped at the
chance. Both his wife and mother-in-law
have successfully battled cancer. “I volun-
teered as a tribute to them,” says Burton.
“I thought the money we raised through the
Relays could help prevent other families
from facing the same nightmare.”
Burton’s was one of 423 Walgreen teams
across the country and in Puerto Rico that
helped raise more than $500,000 for cancer
research in 2006. In addition, we sponsored
the national Wall of Hope at the Cancer
Society’s “Celebration on the Hill” in
Washington, D.C., in September, and raised
more than $1.5 million in May through
customer purchases of paper “blooms.”
Our roots in healthcare and charitable
giving have been intertwined for more
than a century. Last fiscal year, Walgreens
raised $6.8 million for charities including
the American Cancer Society, American
Heart Association, American Red Cross
and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
We also contributed more than $8.7 million
in educational funding and student assis-
tance, primarily for pharmacy schools.
Spreading wellness to low-income,
urban communities
Because health screenings can detect
disease before symptoms are noticed,
early awareness is key to prevention and
treatment. To bring more wellness resources
to underserved urban areas, Walgreens
has joined forces with the National Urban
League to launch a 12-month Wellness
Tour starting in January 2007. A co-branded
Urban League/ Walgreens bus will visit
25 urban markets, providing education
and free health screenings for cholesterol,
blood pressure, bone density, glucose and
body mass index.
With more than 100 local affiliates in
35 states and the District of Columbia,
the National Urban League is the nation’s
oldest and largest community-based
advocacy organization for African
Americans, providing services for more
than two million people nationwide. Our
strong presence in urban areas makes us
a good partner for the Urban League’s
healthcare outreach.
Projected Electric
Usage Savings
Based on 2005 total con sumption
In percent of kilowatt-hours
Walgreens is a 13-year supporter of the YWCA of
Lake County, Illinois, which runs health and wellness
programs, as well as childcare services like this
summer camp.
Raising Dollars for Charity
Fun ds collected in stores
In millions of dollars