Ingka Group has joined an alliance of 180 political decision-makers, business leaders, trade unions, NGOs, and think tanks for a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to address the social and economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak, in addition to the long-term climate change initiatives.
The European Parliament launched the “green recovery alliance” on April 14 in response to calls from several EU environment ministers seeking green recovery from the unprecedented coronavirus outbreak.
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted people and businesses around the globe. Ingka Group, owner and operator of 380 IKEA stores in 30 countries, is working on a series of wide-ranging commitments to help protect the health and livelihoods of those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including communities, customers, co-workers and its partners. On March 27, Ingka Group announced a grant of €26 million of in-kind donations, allowing the 30 countries in which it has operations, to take more immediate action in their local communities.
At the same time, Ingka Group remains committed the IKEA ambition to become climate positive, reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the IKEA value chain emits and by FY25 (Sept 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025). Ingka Group aims to consume 100% renewable electricity in each of its 30 countries where its present, focusing on generating renewable electricity onsite and offsite both on wind farms and utility-scale solar farms.
”We believe that exceptional times call for exceptional togetherness. Now more than ever, the global community must work together to rebuild the economy which has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. IKEA remains committed to its 2030 climate positive goal and the Paris Agreement. As the European Union seeks to recover from this crisis, we support building a vibrant, resilient and green economy that is climate neutral,” says Jesper Brodin, CEO Ingka Group.
By being a part of this alliance, Ingka Group is demonstrating its commitment to work together, share knowledge, and exchange expertise to accelerate the transition to a green economy on the count of coronavirus pandemic.
“Political will is here,” said the members of the alliance, including Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO, L’Oréal; Enzo Amendola, Italian Minister for European Affairs; Per Bolund, Swedish Minister for Financial Markets and Housing; and Simona Bonafe, MEP, Vice-President of the S&D Group, among others, in a statement. “The major shock to the economy and workers created by the pandemic calls for a strong coordinated economic response. We therefore welcome the declaration of European leaders stating that they will do “whatever it takes” to tackle the social and economic consequences of this crisis.”
