IKEA to Grow Renewable Portfolio with Fuel Cell System for Generating More Onsite Power at Store in New Haven, CT

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced
plans to further the Swedish retailer’s renewable commitment with plans
for its first biogas-powered fuel cell system on the east coast, at its
store in New Haven, CT. More than a year ago, IKEA completed
installation of such a project at IKEA Emeryville, one of the Swedish
company’s two San Francisco-area stores. And, earlier this summer, IKEA
announced plans for similar projects at four additional California
stores. Pending permits, the New Haven fuel cell system will be
installed, commissioned and operational by this Fall, bringing the IKEA
fuel cell portfolio to more than 1.5 MW.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with fuel
cells at IKEA New Haven,” said Christof Stein, store manager. “Similar
to our rooftop solar array, this fuel cell system will greatly reduce
our carbon footprint and the store’s reliance on the power grid as well
as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the
many.”

Slightly larger than the physical size of a commercial back-up
generator, the 250-kw, biogas-powered project will produce approximately
2,081,376 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of
reducing 1,218 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) – equal to the
emissions of 233 cars or to providing electricity for 163 homes yearly
(calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).
Combined with the 940.8-kW solar array installed atop the store in 2012,
the fuel cell project will help generate a majority of the store’s
energy onsite.

For the design, development and installation of this fuel cell system,
IKEA contracted with Sunnyvale-based Bloom Energy a provider of
breakthrough solid oxide fuel cell technology generating clean,
highly-efficient on-site power.

Drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, IKEA strives to
minimize its operations’ carbon emissions because reducing its
environmental impact makes good business sense. IKEA evaluates locations
for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into
product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs
goods for efficient distribution. U.S. sustainable efforts include:
recycling waste material; incorporating key measures into buildings with
energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction
materials, warehouse skylights, and water-conserving restrooms; and
operationally, no plastic bags in the check-out process, and selling
only LED lighting. IKEA U.S. has installed electric vehicle charging
stations at 14 stores and solar arrays at 90% of its locations,
integrated two geothermal projects at two store locations and owns two
wind farms. This investment in fuel cell technology reflects the
company’s goal to be energy independent by 2020.

Located on 20 acres near the I-95/I-91 interchange, the
311,000-square-foot IKEA New Haven opened July 2004 and features 10,000
exclusively designed items, 48 different room-settings, three model home
interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 350-seat restaurant
serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and
salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly
features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care
rooms, play areas throughout the store and preferred parking.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of
good design and function at affordable prices. There are currently more
than 380 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA has
been ranked among “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further
investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in
two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and
supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more
information see IKEA-USA.com,
@IKEAUSANews,
@IKEAUSA
or IKEAUSA on Facebook,
YouTube,
Instagram
and Pinterest.

Contacts

IKEA
Joseph Roth, Property Public Affairs
(610)
834-0180, ext. 6500