The program, instituted as part of the company's effort to cut carbon emissions by 19,000 tons this year, reduced emissions by 4,500 tons - the equivalent of taking 450 cars off the road. Through electricity cost reductions, Wal-Mart also saved more than $1.2 million. Wal-Mart Canada's commitment to reducing carbon emissions is supported by a variety of environmental best practices, including higher-efficiency building design, equipment upgrades and retrofits, and more closely managed energy use across the business. This year, the company also became Canada's largest commercial purchaser of green power, buying more wind, solar and alternative energy than any company in the country. Mario Pilozzi, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Canada, said: "We view our energy choices as an investment. On the one hand, our choice to turn our lights down reduced the environmental cost of 4,500 tons of carbon, and the business cost of $1.2 million in electricity. On the other hand, our choice to bear the expense of major green-power purchases is really an investment in the future of cleaner energy for everyone."