The IKEA Group has just revealed its latest sustainability strategy, “People & Planet Positive,” and seeing how this particular company happens to be an internationally renowned furniture retailer, the environmental commitments listed in the aforementioned plan are causing quite a stir. IKEA's three major concerns in terms of sustainability are switching to green energy sources, improving on its facilities' overall energy efficiency and making sure the wood required in their manufacturing processes comes only from forests grown and looked after by the company itself.
Apparently, these three sustainability goals are to become a reality by the year 2020 at the latest.
In order to up its dependence on renewables, IKEA intends to invest roughly $1.95 billion (€1.49 billion) in green energy sources by 2015. Their focus will be on solar and wind power, the company's sustainability strategy explains.
“By the end of FY20 [fiscal year], the IKEA Group will produce as much renewable energy as we consume in our operations,” reads the company's “
People & Planet Positive” plan.
Interestingly enough, it seems that IKEA also intends to “coerce” its customers into embracing a greener lifestyle, meaning that, in just about 4 years' time, the products sold by this company will witness their energy efficiency increased.
Moreover, IKEA's lighting products will be designed and manufactured in such a way that they will use LED bulbs. Truth be told, given the
EU's banning incandescent bulbs, this idea can also be regarded as one driven by financial considerations.
“We will transform our entire range, making all of our products more sustainable. We will also
develop and promote solutions that inspire and enable customers to live a more sustainable life at home, whether it is saving or producing energy, accessing clean water or sorting waste,” the company wished to emphasize.
As far as the company's supply chain is concerned, it seems that proper management of forests, water and farmlands will take center stage.
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