IKEA is unveiling a newer, more energy efficient store in Richmond

IKEA expands on longstanding commitment to Sustainability

BURLINGTON, ON, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada turns its focus to Sustainability as the company enters into a period of heavy expansion, opening 3 stores in one year. IKEA is committed to having this new wave of stores be 40% more efficient than the last store built in 2004. IKEA Richmond, Canada's newest store set to open on April 25^th, 2012 will feature a geothermal installation, rainwater harvesting, a solar equipped navigation tower as well as approximately one tree for every six parking spaces. IKEA Richmond coworkers will also be able to enjoy the new edible garden located on the store's rooftop.

"IKEA recognizes the importance of our business having a positive impact on people and the environment." says Maya Abdou, IKEA Richmond Store Manager. "As an extension of our ongoing commitment to responsible business practices, IKEA Richmond is implementing new policies and adopting new features that ensure greater efficiency and sustainability of our new building."

To ensure it is leading the way, IKEA measures, records and benchmarks water, energy and waste key performance indicators against national and global counterparts on a regular basis.

Highlights:

• Permeable pavement absorbs rainwater to improve drainage
• Highly reflective rooftop will reduce solar heating in the summer
• LED garage lighting
• Native plants in the landscaping eliminate the need for excessive maintenance
• 76 store skylights will allow daylight harvesting and save energy
• Building automation system yields far more energy efficiency
• Use of efficient lighting sources (LED, T5 and CFL)
• Office area equipped with light occupancy sensors
• Use of de-stratification fans in warehouse to mix air and increase temperature efficiency
• Use of non-solvent based paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Buses will stop at Bridgeport and Sweden Way providing a good connection to Canada Line
• Hybrid parking spots
• 100 bicycle racks for customers and coworkers
• In-store customer take-back recycling for bulbs and batteries
• Use of environmentally-friendly cleaning solvents, and tissue/paper towel products
• Use of high efficiency hand-dryers
• Use of indoor air quality sensors
• Improved waste/recycling sorting areas planned; compactor room, office area and retail floor
• Use of low-flow plumbing equipment
• Use of water faucet sensors in bathrooms
• Efficient central heating and cooling plants warm and cool the building

About IKEA
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 325 stores in 40 countries worldwide, which are visited by 734 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the IKEA.com websites attracted 904 million visitors. 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.

Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick
Public Relations Manager
IKEA Canada
madeleine.low[email protected]