IKEA is betting on energy-efficient air conditioning systems optimized with ABB technology with the aim of generating a positive impact on people and the planet, offering accessible, affordable and sustainable products, solutions and services.
This new initiative is added to the installation of solar panels in its centers because together with the commitment to renewable energies, for the Swedish decoration and furniture group, sustainability is one of the main drivers of innovation and growth.
In two of its largest stores in Spain, the one in San Sebastian de los Reyes, and the one in Alcorcon, with a combined area of ​​nearly 80,000 square meters, IKEA has opted for air conditioning systems equipped with ABB frequency inverters from the ACH580 and ACH550 series. In total, ABB has supplied 15 ACH580 low-harmonic frequency drives and a complete package of standard ACH580 and ACH550 drives, with an added power of 600kW, for these systems. Improvements in energy efficiency ACH580 is a device that stands out for its ability to guarantee both air quality in the most energy efficient and profitable way (as well as safety) in normal and critical situations, as well as to control the comfort of buildings in which we work and live.
It is estimated that with the ABB variable frequency drives installed in the air conditioning systems in the IKEA stores in Alcorcon and San Sebastian de los Reyes, an increase in the energy efficiency of the system of 25% will be achieved, which will mean an annual reduction of CO2 emissions of around 425 tons, or the equivalent of the annual emissions of 95 combustion cars. Shared sustainability goals One of the fundamental pillars within Ikea’s sustainability strategy is the reduction of its carbon footprint, having set itself the goal of reducing polluting emissions in its operations by 80% by 2030.
ABB, commitment to its customers
In this sense, IKEA Iberica has registered since 2010 a reduction in energy consumption of 37%. For its part, ABB has a commitment, included in its 2030 sustainability strategy, to help its customers around the world reduce at least 100 megatonnes of CO2 emissions, or the equivalent of the annual emissions of 30 million combustion cars. , as part of its goal of promoting a low-carbon society.
“At IKEA we are committed to sustainability and we strive to reduce the climate footprint of our operations as much as possible. The implementation of energy efficiency solutions is basic for us and a vitally important element to continue growing our business while reducing our carbon footprint. These types of solutions will allow us to be more energy efficient by reducing our consumption, something that brings us a little closer to our aspiration of becoming a 100% circular business in 2030”, explains Qi Kai Sheng, head of circularity and climate change in the Sustainability department of IKEA in Spain .
“Energy efficiency has the potential to contribute to achieving 40% of the emission reduction targets set in the Paris Agreement, and steps like the ones we are taking to improve air conditioning systems in buildings such as IKEA stores in Alcorcon and San Sebastian de los Reyes by themselves seem small, but in aggregate, applying similar solutions in many buildings can mean giant steps towards a much more environmentally sustainable society”, comments Marc Gomez, CEO of ABB in Spain.
