Ikea reduces CO2 emissions by 5%

New York City Ikea has reduced its total CO2 emissions by 5% and CO2 emissions from goods transport by 10% in fiscal year 2009 compared with the previous year, according to the company’s 2009 Sustainability Report. Ninety-five percent of the home-furnishing retailer’s CO2 emissions is attributed to material extraction, suppliers, customer transportation and the use of products.

In 2010, Ikea will participate in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol by road testing a new global framework for measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Ikea also is committed to reducing emissions in its supply chain. A pilot program is in place to help suppliers reduce their energy use by 30% or more by 2011, focusing on the largest suppliers with the highest energy consumption.

To help meet its long-term goal of powering all Ikea buildings with 100% renewable energy, the company has plans for several solar-panel projects in eight countries during the next four years. The solar panels for up to 150 stores and distribution centers are expected to provide about 10% of their electricity need (the figure may be higher in distribution centers since they use less electricity).

Currently, nine Ikea facilities have solar panels installed with the plan to reach 30 to 40 buildings by the end of fiscal year 2011

The company is also working to use alternative energy sources for heating such as ground source heat pumps, air heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar panels, and is progressing on its alternative fuel project for transport service providers.