IKEA Group urges leaders at the COP21 climate summit to commit to bold measures to tackle climate change and emphasises the benefits of renewable energy and more sustainable products.
BURLINGTON, ON, Dec. 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Speaking at the COP21 climate summit today, Peter Agnefjäll, President and CEO, IKEA Group, made the case for companies to take action:
"Urgent action is needed to tackle climate change – communities across the world and the success of business depend on it. That's why IKEA Group is going all-in to be part of the solution. We see action on climate change as a driver of innovation, investment and renewal," said Peter Agnefjäll, President and CEO, IKEA Group.
In June, IKEA Group and IKEA Foundation announced new commitments totalling EUR 1 billion to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and to support the communities most impacted by climate change. IKEA Group aims to produce as much renewable energy as it consumes in its buildings by 2020 and has invested EUR 1.5 billion in wind and solar since 2009. For the first time ever, IKEA Canada is energy independent thanks to IKEA's new wind farm in Southern Alberta beginning operations, as well as solar installations on many of its stores. IKEA Canada now produces more than double the energy than is consumed by its operations. In addition, IKEA Canada has installed free electric vehicle charging stations at all of its stores as well are now diverting 85 per cent of waste from going into landfills thanks to robust recylcing programs and changes throughout their supply chain.
"We are investing in renewable energy because we want to have a positive impact and to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also makes good business sense, giving us greater control over energy costs, and supports our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people," said Peter Agnefjäll.
In September, IKEA completed the conversion of its entire lighting range to LED which uses up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last for up to 20 years. In Canada, IKEA was the first major retailer to sell only energy efficient LED light bulbs.
"IKEA's goal is to be both people and planet positive, including helping Canadians live a more sustainable life at home," said IKEA Canada President, Stefan Sjöstrand. "For example, so far this year, IKEA Canada has sold 1.5 million LED bulbs, which means we have helped Canadians save $12 million in energy costs just in this year alone."
Over the next five years until 2020, the IKEA Group aims to sell over 500 million LED bulbs to IKEA customers. Over the lifetime of the bulbs it would save over 80 million tonnes of CO2. The Global Lighting Challenge is an initiative to reach cumulative global sales of 10 billion high-efficiency, high-quality lighting products by 2020.
ABOUT IKEA CANADA
IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 361 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 821 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, Pick-Up and Order Points in Quebec City and London, Ontario with four additional Pick-Up and Order Points opening spring 2016. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 25 million visitors to its stores and 75 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.
SOURCE IKEA Canada
Stephanie Kerr, Corporate Press Officer, IKEA Canada, 905-637-9440 ext. 6378, [email protected]
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