Join IKEA by Making Every Hour Earth Hour

Burlington, Ontario - IKEA has made a global commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases associated with its use of electricity and energy in their business. In support of this commitment, IKEA Canada has been hard at work to reduce their carbon footprint. By the end of April 2009 the company will have reduced its energy consumption in its stores by 25% through implementing new practices and technologies. To mark this accomplishment and to show support for their valued global partner, all IKEA stores in Canada will participate in World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour. WWF’s Earth Hour is a global event created to mobilize people around the world to turn their lights off for one hour at 8:30p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009, to show support for action on climate change.

“IKEA believes that climate change is a major threat to both the environment and people, and CO2 emissions need to be reduced rapidly to prevent real dramatic effects on our climate system.” Says Kerri Molinaro, President, IKEA Canada. “We want to be a good example of effective environmental actions and initiatives across our business to help create a better environment for everyone. We call this The IKEA Way.”

The IKEA Way is not a new approach for the retailer; IKEA has been committed to the environment for several decades. Whether it is flat-packing products to reduce packaging and reduce transportation emissions, working with Global Charitable partners like WWF, using environmentally responsible materials in its products or having a store format that draws on a larger trade area (instead of more stores), the company has practiced responsible retailing for decades.

Globally, IKEA is cooperating with WWF on several projects to reduce the negative impact on the climate. The aim is to cut carbon dioxide emissions from IKEA suppliers and from passenger traffic to and from the stores.

“WWF and IKEA are both committed to promoting the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources for present and future needs”, says Hadley Archer, Director of Business Engagement at WWF-Canada. “We are working together globally to promote responsible forestry and better cotton production, and to address climate change. Working together, more can be achieved.”

“At IKEA, we are constantly striving to have a positive impact on the environment in our business. A critical element of our success is to engage our coworkers.” says Molinaro “We are encouraging all our coworkers to participate in WWF’s Earth Hour 2009, both at work and at home. Every one of our 4,000 co-workers in Canada have received an IKEA candle as a symbol of our commitment to responsible environmental practices.”

About IKEA
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 286 stores in 36 countries worldwide, which are visited by 565 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 11 stores which are visited by over 25 million people every year. Last year the ikea.com websites attracted 450 million visitors. Founded in 1943, IKEA’s business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.ikea.ca or www.theIKEAway.ca

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change. For more information visit www.earthhourcanada.org

About WWF
WWF-Canada is part of WWF - the global conservation organization. Founded in 1967, WWF-Canada has become one of the country's leading conservation organizations, enjoying the active support of more than 100,000 Canadians. WWF-Canada works to save nature by conserving species and protecting their habitats; by ensuring our use of natural resources is sustainable, and by helping individuals, companies and governments reduce pollution. For more information, visit www.wwf.ca

For more information:
Madeleine Löwenborg-Frick
National Public Relations Manager,
IKEA Canada
T: 905-637-9440 x6378
madeleine.lowenborg-frick@ikea.com