But IKEA wanted to go further and, in addition to selling design at a good price, it has managed to turn “The independent republic of your home” into “The ecological republic of your home”.
Energy saving and respect for the environment have vp communication officer email list become a priority for IKEA, not only for itself as a company, but also for its customers.
The Energy Efficiency Channel has spoken to Mercedes Gutiérrez, head of sustainability at IKEA Spain.
Energy Efficiency Channel: Today, what is IKEA's main objective in terms of energy efficiency and respect for the environment?
Mercedes Gutiérrez: Until now, all efforts have been made for the business, that is, to improve our stores, our products, etc. However, we have realised that the time has come to take the next step and cover the entire value chain.
Our strategy is ambitious, as by 2015 we aim not only to minimise the environmental impact, but also to have a positive effect on climate change. To do this, we will focus on two lines of work: the one that takes place before the product leaves the store and the one that takes place once the product is in the customer's home.
CEE: How will IKEA ensure that its products remain efficient and environmentally friendly once they have crossed the doors of its stores?
MG: At IKEA we also assume that we must work on the sustainable footprint that products leave behind once they have left the store. To achieve this, we have analysed the impact that our products currently have on the environment, especially those that consume energy and water and that could help reduce waste generation. Starting from the fact that the impact is currently 100%, the objective is to reduce it by half within five years.
How? By designing products that consume less energy, less water and that help reduce the amount of waste generated in the customer's home through recycling systems, reduction of the volume of organic waste, etc.
