In case you needed another reason to visit IKEA Canada, a recognized leader in sustainable practices, the company has recently expanded its electric vehicle charging network. The Swedish retail giant now officially offers free Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging at all 14 of its retail locations across the country.
Combining $300,000 from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) with an additional $300,000 investment of its own funds, IKEA was able to install 25 charging stations at its stores in Montreal, Boucherville, Quebec City, and Ottawa as well as its distribution centre in Beauharnois, Que.
“Through the ZEVIP program, we were able to accelerate our investment in the long-term future of our business, our fulfillment network, and our partnerships with transport service providers which use zero-emission delivery vehicles,” says Crystal Rasa, Head of Fulfilment Sourcing, IKEA Canada in a press release. “As a business whose operations have a direct effect on people’s lives and the environment, and which can contribute to a positive change, we are taking responsibility. Our ambition is to not only move IKEA forward, but to inspire and drive change for our communities and society.”
This investment is a meaningful step towards the brand’s goal of reaching 100 per cent zero-emission home deliveries by 2025 and a 50 per cent reduction in co-worker and customer emissions by 2030. With these updates, IKEA has been able to begin using EV delivery trucks to fulfill home deliveries in select regions.
“At Ikea Canada, we have a simple yet powerful vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. As Canada’s largest home furnishing retailer, we believe it’s our responsibility to have a positive impact on people and the planet, and that we are big enough to make a difference,” says Helene Loberg, country sustainability manager, Ikea Canada, in a press release. “While we integrate sustainability into our every day, we want to show Canadians that living a sustainable life can be affordable – and easy.”
