IKEA Global reduces 1.4 million tons of carbon emissions as part of sustainability goals

IKEA has globally reduced its carbon footprint by 5% compared to the previous year, and by a significant reduction of 12% compared to the FY2016 baseline which in other words, has approximately reduced 1.4 million tons of carbon emissions.

This achievement is equivalent to planting 140 million trees on Earth. IKEA Global has also increased the use and coverage of renewable energy to 64%, creating a more environmentally friendly home-living for the public.

According to the IKEA's Sustainability Report FY22 released ahead of this year's Earth Day, the IKEA climate footprint in FY22 is estimated to be 25.8 million tonnes of CO₂ – a decrease in absolute terms of 5% compared to last year, and 12% compared to baseline year FY16. The continued reduction is mainly due to an increased share of renewable energy in both retail and production, and a more energy-efficient range, particularly through the SOLHETTA LED bulbs.

Other highlights include increasing the share of renewable electricity in IKEA retail and other operations to 76% compared to 71% in FY21. In FY22, 24 IKEA retail markets are consuming 100% renewable electricity. IKEA has also increased the share of renewable electricity in production to 64% compared to 52% in FY21. The increase in China was largely driven by the programme launched in FY21 to enable suppliers to purchase renewable electricity. During FY23, the programme will be rolled out to ten additional markets including Germany, Türkiye, and Sweden.

Furthermore, IKEA also saw a continued increase in the sales share of our plant-based food options, such as the plant ball and the veggie hotdog. Being one of the first businesses to disclose an outdoor air pollution footprint across a value chain was also one of its achievements in the year. 

"With six years of CO₂ budget left in the world to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the need to act is more important than ever. We are committed to doing our part, taking a full value chain approach, working towards becoming climate positive and securing a just transition. We strive to take a holistic approach to our sustainability work, as climate change, nature loss and inequality are interdependent”, says Jon Abrahamsson Ring, CEO, Inter IKEA Group.

"Every year, more than 2.4 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution. There is a strong synergy between reducing GHG emissions and air pollution. With this report, we are taking the lead by being one of the first to disclose the air pollution generated across our value chain. Even though more work is needed, we hope that by transparently sharing our findings, we inspire other companies to also address air pollution while taking climate action”, says Andreas Rangel Ahrens, head of climate, Inter IKEA Group.

Most recently, IKEA announced the plan to eliminate dairy products from its cafe menus by 2030 as part of the company's new sustainability strategy “People and Planet Positive,” which targets carbon emissions and resource reductions across IKEA’s operations, including a focus on more plant-based food in its restaurants.

Back in June last year, IKEA Hong Kong has collaborated with online marketplace Carousell to build a limited-edition IKEA microsite last June, where a collection of display items and discontinued models can be found at discounted prices. Furthermore, IKEA joined forces with local charitable organisation A Plastic Ocean Foundation to organise the “Light Up Hope” programme to help improve the living conditions of families in Hak Pak Nai, which have long been suffering from natural disasters caused by climate change, by providing 120 households with electricity safety inspection, energy-efficient lighting and climate disaster education. 

In the coming year, IKEA will continue to promote sustainable development through different activities and strategies, including promoting more sustainable home décor and continuing the Light Up Hope programme to build a strong and sustainable community with its customers and alleviate the climate crisis.

Adrian Worth, managing director of IKEA North Asia, DFI retail group, said: "In the face of the global warming crisis, IKEA has been devoting effort in formulating proactive and comprehensive sustainability strategies to provide the public with a healthier and more equal living from the domestic life perspective. In recent years, IKEA Hong Kong has launched creative and forward-looking initiatives which made remarkable achievements. More and more co-workers and customers recognise our vision and join hands with us in fulfilling our social responsibility of protecting the environment."

Don't miss: IKEA HK trendjacks Oscar-winning film starring Michelle Yeoh

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to IKEA Hong Kong for additional information.

Join Content 360 - Hong Kong: Stories For A New Era where over 150 content marketers come together to shape the future. Content 360 - Hong Kong is a must-attend conference that focuses on cutting-edge content trends, innovative creation techniques, strategies to customise your content for the newest marketing channels, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your content marketing game in Hong Kong! Tickets are on sale now, register today. https://conferences.marketing-interactive.com/content360-hk/

Related articles:

IKEA HK trendjacks Oscar-winning film starring Michelle Yeoh
IKEA threatens to sue British-based horror game for similarity to brand
IKEA HK trendjacks viral video of high school student singing on his knees
IKEA brand caught in negative sentiments around Shanghai store lockdown