What: IKEA has launched two sustainability initiatives in the United States, aimed at reducing its climate footprint and becoming a climate positive business by 2030.

Why it is important: These initiatives reflect a broader trend in the retail industry towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.

The first initiative involves a solar installation project in seven stores and fulfilment centres, which will include solar car parks, rooftop panels, and battery energy storage systems. The second initiative focuses on renewable heating and cooling, with plans to replace and optimize HVAC systems in five store locations.

These sustainability projects align with IKEA's goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy and eliminating fossil fuels from its operations by 80% by 2030. The solar project is a continuation of IKEA's existing solar power project in Paramus, New Jersey. Once operational, the seven solar units are expected to collectively produce 13,600 megawatt hours of energy annually, offsetting 5,883 tons of carbon emissions.

IKEA's sustainability efforts also include transitioning to a circular business model and using more renewable sources for its furniture production.

Ikea expands on sustainability initiatives