Ikea eyes 100% renewable-powered stores by 2020

Oct 23, 2012 - Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is looking to cover the total energy consumption of its buildings with renewables by the end of the decade, as part of a new sustainability plan.

Under the People & Planet Positive strategy, the company aims to become energy and resource independent, it said in a statement on Monday. Between 2009 and 2015 its total investments in wind and solar power will reach EUR 1.5 billion (EUR 1.15), while it will also boost energy efficiency and encourage suppliers to follow suit, Ikea added.

The company intends to use mainly furnishing materials that are renewable, recyclable or recycled and to use only wood that is sourced in compliance with its forestry requirements.

Ikea operates 298 stores in 26 countries. According to its website, in 2011 wind and solar power installations covered 12% of the power consumption of the retailer’s stores and distribution centres. Currently, the company uses power from 250,000 solar panels at global stores. It has also invested in the erection of 126 wind turbines in five countries.

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