The world is facing a climate crisis that will affect the lives of many millions of people today and for generations to come. Human activities have warmed the planet’s average temperature by more than 1°C, and we’re still using resources at a rate equivalent more than one Earths per year*. With 1 million species at risk of extinction, we’re on course for irrevocable damage to nature and ecosystems.
We know we have a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to tackle the climate crisis and we want to be a part of shaping a new normal that’s better for people and planet. We are committed to the shared IKEA goal of becoming a climate positive business by 2030 – while still growing our business. We are also committed to the Paris Agreement and to limiting global temperature rises to 1.5°C.
There are some existing solutions to the climate crisis already, but they urgently need to be deployed on a massive scale and more innovative solutions need to be found. This can offer new opportunities for job creation, innovation, economic growth and reduced energy costs. And, we know it’s possible for businesses to grow while shrinking the climate footprint. During the period FY16-FY21, the Ingka Group business grew by 17.6%, and yet we also achieved a 6.5% climate footprint reduction over the same period.
By 2030 our ambition is to become circular and climate positive.
We are reducing the climate footprint from IKEA retail operations, customer and co-worker travel and home deliveries. We are switching to renewable energy and aim for all home deliveries to be made using zero emissions vehicles by 2025. We are contributing to a reduction in the climate footprint of IKEA products and food, e.g. by promoting IKEA products, food and services that have a lower climate footprint.
We are also going beyond the IKEA value chain. For example, with our energy services like home solar and clean electricity subscriptions, we’re making it easier and more affordable for our customers to use and produce renewable energy. Read more about our climate footprint and our work to become climate positive.
Using resources efficiently has always been part of how we work at IKEA. We want to play our part in making the circular economy a reality, and IKEA is committed to becoming a circular business by 2030. We strive for zero waste in our operations, we strive to recycle even more of our waste and we provide new circular services and offers to enable our customers reuse and repair products. Read more about our efforts to become a circular business by 2030.
*Source: Earth Overshoot Day: www.overshootday.org