In its sustainability report for 2012, the company says it is committed to investing €1.5bn (£1.3m) in renewable energy by 2015, adding that at the end of the year 250,000 solar panels and 83 wind turbines were in operation.

By 2020, the company will aim to produce as much renewable energy as the it consumes in its operations by investing in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, store expansion and refurbishment, low carbon transportation and range development.

The company also reported that all wood was sourced from suppliers that met the IKEA forestry standard and 22.6% was sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests, up from 16.2% in 2011.

Highlighting its improved sourcing activities of cotton, 34% was from preferred sources, up from 24% in 2011.

IKEA has also focused its operations on producing products that help customers save energy, water and reduce waste. It has also committed to converting all lighting IKEA sells to energy efficient LED.

IKEA’s chief sustainability officer, Steve Howard, said: “Through products that use less energy and water and reduce waste, we are enabling millions of people to save time and money at home.

“In our own operations, we’re continuing to invest in renewable energy and to source more materials from preferred sources”.

Leigh Stringer

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