In what can only be called an unpredictable co-branding scheme, Wal-Mart and the National Governors Association are teaming up to reduce energy use in 20 state capitol complexes.

Wal-Mart will crunch the numbers, showing how simple changes in the HVAC system, lighting, and building structure can reduce GHG emissions while saving money in operating costs. In addition, Wal-Mart promises that improvements made to the buildings will pay for themselves in just 5 years, and can be accomplished with technology Wal-Mart has already implemented in its own stores-without charging the states a cent.

This sort of free auditing is commonplace in the public sector, such as the EPA Climate Leaders program. But a business helping out the government?

Each chair of the National Governor's Association gets to pick one initiative to focus on during their tenure, and the 2007-2008 Chairman, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, has chosen, Securing a Clean Energy Future Initiative. According to Pawlenty, "This Initiative is not just about improving the way we produce energy in this country, it's about improving our national security, our economic well-being and our overall quality of life."

We aren't going to dismiss state's rights, but EnviroWonk is pretty sure that sort of national-level initiative is something one would expect from the federal government. Just saying.

This isn't just about marginalizing the importance of the federal government and good publicity for Wal-Mart, as the taxpayers are getting something out of this too. About 36 percent of energy consumed in the U.S. goes to power buildings, and last year state and local governments spent over $11 billion paying for electricity and other energy bills. Wal-Mart has managed to reduce energy consumption an impressive 20-50 percent in the stores that have had energy audits.

Capitols will be chosen based on suitability, so the oldest, most energy inefficient buildings are most likely to get a face-lift. We welcome innovation from anywhere, but just hope that the renovated Capitols aren't box-shaped, with RVs camped out across acres of parking lot.