IKEA Grew 24% While Cutting Emissions 30% in 8 Years
The world's largest furniture retailer proved that going green makes business sense, growing revenue while slashing emissions and now producing more energy than it uses. Former CEO Jesper Brodin just received a TIME Earth Award for leading a transformation that saves the company $112 million annually.
IKEA just showed the world that choosing the planet over profit is a false choice.
Between 2016 and 2024, the furniture giant grew revenue by nearly 24% while cutting emissions by 30%. The company now produces more energy than it uses and turns the surplus into a revenue stream worth $112 million per year.
Former CEO Jesper Brodin received a TIME Earth Award in London on March 26 for leading this transformation. He started as a store manager in Pakistan 30 years ago and worked his way to the top job in 2017, right when online competitors threatened to upend IKEA's business model.
Instead of retreating, Brodin doubled down on sustainability. He led IKEA's parent company Ingka Group to invest more than $5 billion in solar panels and wind farms across their operations.
When asked recently if the company would return to carbon-based energy, Brodin called the question "a bit absurd." The renewable investments haven't just cut emissions. They've made IKEA energy independent in a world where energy prices swing wildly.
"Being climate smart is being resource smart, cost smart," Brodin told the London audience. What started as hope and faith a few years ago has become proven business strategy.
The Ripple Effect
Brodin isn't keeping this playbook to himself. From 2020 to 2025, he chaired the World Economic Forum's Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, a group of over 100 companies that collectively emit more carbon than all of India.
Last year, those companies reported cutting emissions 12% while growing revenue 24%. A recent United Nations report found 88% of CEOs now believe the business case for sustainability is stronger than it was five years ago.
Many business leaders still hesitate to speak publicly about climate action. But Brodin sees a quiet revolution underway, with companies proving that green investments pay off in independence, savings, and growth.
"Companies are builders," Brodin said. "We might need a bit of time to get moving, but once we get going, we're not gonna go back."
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Based on reporting by Google News - Clean Energy
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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