Burlington, ON (Canada) — IKEA Canada plans to open three stores in 1 year. IKEA aims for the new wave of stores to be 40% more efficient than the last store built in 2004.
Burlington, ON (Canada) — IKEA Canada turns its focus to sustainability as the company enters into a period of heavy expansion, opening three stores in 1 year. IKEA is committed to having this new wave of stores be 40% more efficient than the last store built in 2004. IKEA Richmond, Canada’s newest store set to open on April 25th, 2012, will feature a geothermal installation, rainwater harvesting, a solar equipped navigation tower as well as approximately one tree for every six parking spaces. There will also be a new edible garden located on the store’s rooftop.
“IKEA recognizes the importance of our business having a positive impact on people and the environment,” says Maya Abdou, store manager of IKEA Richmond.
Energy-efficient highlights from the store include:
• Permeable pavement absorbs rainwater to improve drainage
• Highly reflective rooftop will reduce solar heating in the summer
• LED garage lighting
• Native plants in the landscaping eliminate the need for excessive maintenance
• 76 store skylights will allow daylight harvesting and save energy
• Building automation system yields far more energy efficiency
• Use of efficient lighting sources (LED, T5 and CFL)
• Office area equipped with light occupancy sensors
• Use of de-stratification fans in warehouse to mix air and increase temperature efficiency
• Use of non-solvent based paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Hybrid parking spots
• 100 bicycle racks for customers and coworkers
• In-store customer take-back recycling for bulbs and batteries
• Use of environmentally-friendly cleaning solvents, and tissue/paper towel products
• Use of high efficiency hand-dryers
• Use of indoor air quality sensors
• Improved waste/recycling sorting areas planned; compactor room, office area and retail floor
• Use of low-flow plumbing equipment
• Use of water faucet sensors in bathrooms
• Efficient central heating and cooling plants warm and cool the building
IKEA is a leading home furnishings retailer with 325 stores in 40 countries worldwide. IKEA Canada has 11 stores. For more information, visit: www.IKEA.ca or www.IKEA.com.