IKEA is unveiling an energy efficient store in Winnipeg

IKEA expands on longstanding commitment to Sustainability

BURLINGTON, ON, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - As IKEA grows and expands in Canada, the home furnishings retailer remains committed to building sustainably designed stores.  Along with the new stores in Ottawa and Richmond, the new Winnipeg store will be 40 per cent more efficient than the last stores built in the early 2000's. IKEA Winnipeg, set to open on November 28, 2012, will feature an impressive geothermal installation, a flow control roof drainage system, a highly reflective rooftop and 50 store skylights.

"IKEA recognizes the importance of our business having a positive impact on people and the environment," says Stephen Bobko, IKEA Winnipeg Store Manager. "As an extension of our on-going commitment to responsible business practices, IKEA Winnipeg is implementing policies and adopting features that ensure the 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.

Sustainability Highlights

• The geothermal installation will deliver more than 75 per cent of the heat and cooling needs and 50 per cent of the domestic hot water heating needs of the building.
• The flow control roof drainage systems will manage rainwater efficiently and retain water for flushing toilets.
• A highly reflective (Energy Star rated) rooftop will reduce solar heating in the summer
• 50 store skylights will allow daylight harvesting, reducing light fixtures and saving energy
• Photocells will turn off lighting where ambient daylight levels are adequate
• There will be six dedicated hybrid and carpool parking spots in front of the store
• External lighting is designed for minimum spill, eliminating light pollution to the night sky
• Native plantings like prairie hardy trees and specialized drought proof turf will eliminate the need for irrigation and reduce landscape maintenance needs.
• Buses will stop on the street immediately to the west of the store on IKEA Way and continue within the development.
• The Building Automation System (B.A.S.) increases energy efficiency thanks to better control & adaptability
• The office area is equipped with light occupancy sensors that complement the lighting control system
• The use of large centrally placed central heating and cooling plants (instead of many small units) will increase efficiency and save energy
• Building insulation has been optimized for the Winnipeg climate
• Use throughout the building of efficient lighting sources (LED & fluorescent)
• De-stratification fans in the warehouse mix air and increase temperature efficiency
• Efficient pumps and fans (variable frequency drives) that use far less electrical power than conventional v units
• Non-solvent based paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Environmentally-friendly cleaning solvents, and tissue/paper towel products
• High efficiency hand-dryers
• Heat recovery on major building exhaust (kitchen, air handlers, dishwashers)
• Improved waste/recycling sorting areas planned; compactor room, office areas and retail floor
• Use of low-flow plumbing equipment to reduce water consumption
• Use of water faucet sensors in bathrooms to reduce water consumption
• More energy efficient dishwashers and turbo-wash sinks
• Bike racks and showers for co-workers to encourage commuting
• In-store customer take-back recycling for bulbs and batteries

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.

SOURCE: IKEA Canada

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