In September 2017, IKEA Group was one of the first to join EV100—a global initiative created by The Climate Group—and now, a year later, IKEA Group has announced their commitment to moving toward zero emissions deliveries in 5 major cities by 2020.
According to a news release from IKEA, “reaching 100% zero emissions for last mile home delivery will be an important step towards achieving the science-based targets, contributing to the Paris Agreement and becoming climate positive by 2030.”
“We challenge ourselves and inspire others as we can only achieve the change that’s needed together. For us it’s crucial to grow our business in a sustainable way–that’s why we’re speeding up the transition to EV in five inner city areas. By 2020 all our home deliveries in central Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Shanghai will be by EV or other zero emission solutions,” says Jesper Brodin, CEO, IKEA Group.
Ultimately, the company aims for 100% of home deliveries by electric vehicles (EV) or other zero-emission solutions by 2025 (aim of 25% by 2020). In conjunction with the move toward electric vehicles, IKEA wants to provide access to charging stations for EVs across 30 markets and in stores, offices, and distribution centers by 2020. IKEA Group also intends to halve relative emissions from coworkers and customers travelling to IKEA Group touchpoints by 2030.
FreightWaves spoke to Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, who commented on IKEA Group’s yearlong involvement in EV100. “By switching to EVs for home deliveries at this pace, IKEA is setting a strong example for clean transport in city centers, where zero emissions zones will one day become the norm. They are enabling their customers to play a key part in accelerating the roll out of electric vehicles overall,” says Clarkson.
Mike Peirce, Corporate Partnerships Director, The Climate Group, added: “Already growing the market for renewable energy as a founding member of RE100, it’s fantastic to see IKEA push ahead on electric transport with EV100.
According to The Climate Group, IKEA Group’s “care for people and the environment is integrated in every step of the business.”
“IKEA continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children or the environment. One of the biggest challenges in the 21st century is how to tackle the expected shortage of resources and climate change, while providing a good quality of life for people around the world” The Climate Group noted.
Alongside The Climate Group, IKEA aims to create a more sustainable life at home while supporting resource and energy independence with its People and Planet Positive sustainability strategy.
IKEA Group has also stated its dedication to “Take the lead and engage with others to inspire action towards a low-carbon society,” as part of its climate positivity movement.