IKEA continues commitment to climate action by joining COP26 as a Partner

Corporate NewsRetail, Collaborations, SustainabilityOctober 25, 2021Last edited: October 29, 2021

- Another step to become climate positive using 100% renewable energy by 2030

[Seoul – October 26] Global home furnishing retailer IKEA will join the efforts to respond to global climate change as a partner for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), taking place between October 31 and November 12.

IKEA is leading the way in sustainable management in line with its vision of ‘to create a better everyday life for the many people’, actively responding to climate change and regenerating resources to become People & Planet Positive. IKEA is also committed to becoming climate positive by 2030 through reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the IKEA value chain emits, while growing the IKEA business. This is also a part of IKEA’s efforts to contribute to the goal from the Paris climate agreement which is to keep global temperature rise within 1.5°. By participating as a partner in this COP26, IKEA plans to solidify its position as a leading sustainability company and continue its efforts to combat the climate crisis.

IKEA has invested renewable energy including wind turbines, solar power generation, and solar panel installation, generating renewable energy equivalent to 132% of the total energy used in its operations in FY20. In addition, IKEA plans to convert 100% of the energy used in IKEA stores and building around the world into 100% renewable energy and switch to 100% zero-emission delivery service system by 2025.

COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said, “I am delighted to welcome IKEA to the COP26 family as a Partner for the UN climate conference. We look forward to the successful hosting of COP26 in collaboration with all partners who are showing leadership in responding to climate change in their respective fields.”

Jesper Brodin, Ingka Group CEO, said, “We are in the most important decade when it comes to climate change and even if there are challenges ahead, we are optimistic that by working together we can make COP26, UN Climate Change Conference, a success. With bold commitments and actions from companies, governments and society we have it in our hands to ensure a just transition to a net-zero future.”

In the lead up to COP26, Ingka Group, IKEA retailer in 32 countries, is advocating for more ambitious climate action with key partners such as the We Mean Business coalition, the WEF Alliance of CEO climate leaders, and initiatives such as RE100 and EV100. In addition, as a founding member of the Race to Zero Breakthroughs Retail Campaign, Ingka Group wants to share the business case for climate action and help increase the number of global retailers with Science Based Targets (SBTs).

Based on the global strategy for sustainable future, IKEA Korea is also operating sustainable solutions in such as solar panels in stores and planning to adopt 100% electronic vehicles in the furniture delivery service system. Also, IKEA Korea supports the many people to take part in circular and climate positive practices in their every day lives through Circular Hub and Buy Back Service in stores.