IKEA Group reports strong progress on renewable energy, wood and cotton sourcing

The IKEA Group Sustainability Report FY12 shows progress towards the company’s sustainability goals – supporting business growth and benefiting people and the environment.

“Sustainability goes very well with our business model to offer good quality products at affordable prices. As a low cost company, we create more from less and use resources carefully. What’s good for people and the planet is also good for us in the long run,” said Mikael Ohlsson, President and CEO, IKEA Group.

“Through products that use less energy and water and reduce waste, we are enabling millions of people to save time and money at home. In our own operations, we’re continuing to invest in renewable energy and to source more materials from preferred sources. Through our new People & Planet Positive strategy we will push ourselves to do even more,” said Steve Howard, Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Group.

Highlights for IKEA Group from FY12:
Committed to invest €1.5 billion in renewable energy and produced renewable energy equivalent to 34% of total energy used in IKEA Group buildings. At the end of FY12 there were 250,000 solar panels and 83 wind turbines in operation.
All wood was sourced from suppliers that meet the IKEA forestry standard. Wood sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests increased to 22.6% (FY11: 16.2%).
Sourced 34% (FY11: 24%) of cotton from preferred sources, including Better Cotton.
Launched new products that enable customers to save energy and water and reduce waste, and committed to convert all the lighting IKEA sells to energy efficient LED.
47% of managers are women
Total donations from the IKEA Foundation increased to €82 million in 2012 (2011: €65 million) to create opportunities for children living in the developing world.
The IKEA Sustainability Report FY12, as well as the IKEA Sustainability Summary FY12, are available at http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea/people_and_planet/find-out-more.html on each country site (under About IKEA, People & Planet, Find out more).

(12-10-19 redirect from lohre.com)