IKEA Canada is named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers

Corporate newsPeople and Culture, RetailJune 22, 2020Last edited: August 31, 2021

The IKEA commitment to people and planet is recognized for the 12th consecutive year

Burlington, ON – IKEA Canada proudly celebrates its 12th year as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for its commitment to sustainability practices. The designation from Mediacorp Canada Inc. recognizes employers who lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations and incorporate sustainable business practices across their operations.

“At IKEA, our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many Canadians by continuously striving to become a more people and planet positive business,” said Melissa Barbosa, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA Canada. “We are transforming our business to be climate positive and fully circular by 2030. Together with our 7,300 co-workers, we will continue to lead the way by going all-in on sustainability and creating positive movement for change.”

The IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy outlines three main change drivers to help fulfil the retailer’s vision: enabling healthy and sustainable living, becoming a circular and climate positive business, and being fair and equal.

The following are just a few of the many initiatives that make IKEA one of Canada’s Greenest Employers:

· IKEA Canada has a national Sell-Back program to support a more sustainable shopping experience and circular business model.

· IKEA Canada sold its last plastic straw in May 2019 and has fully phased out single-use plastics from its home furnishing range.

· IKEA has committed to 100 per cent zero-emission home delivery by 2025 and offers electric vehicle charging stations at all stores.

· Through its two wind farms in Alberta and rooftop solar installations on more than half of its stores, IKEA Canada generates renewable energy equivalent to approximately four times the energy it consumes.

· IKEA Country CEOs have taken on additional role as Chief Sustainability Officer to ensure sustainability sits at the top of the business priorities.

· IKEA Canada reduced food waste from its kitchen by 31 per cent in 2019 and has a goal to reduce food waste by 50 per cent in 2020.

· IKEA Canada has introduced more sustainable food offers including a plant-based veggie hot dog in its Bistro locations and ASC-certified salmon balls in its restaurants.

· IKEA has committed over $2 million to support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and so far, stores have supported over 55,000 Canadians through $1.5 million in product donations to more than 120 organizations.

· IKEA offers a unique program called IWitness Global Citizens where co-worker ambassadors are selected to visit projects funded by the IKEA Foundation. Ambassadors have visited Malawi, Kosovo, Jordan, South Africa, and Indonesia.