How is IKEA Empowering SME’s to Become Greener Businesses?
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sustainability can seem out of reach.
This is often in part due to a lack of climate expertise, alongside limited time and access to resources.
Together with non-profit initiative SME Climate Hub, IKEA is offering free help to support businesses and the environment.
The global retailer has ambitious climate goals and has made significant progress, and is now looking to bring some of this experience to SMEs.
The role of SMEs in the climate crisis
By offering access to free tools, training and resources, IKEA is helping businesses to reduce their emissions and build greater resilience for the future.
SMEs account for around 90% of businesses globally and are responsible for an estimated 64% of global emissions, according to the International Labour Organization.
Since the industrial era, global temperatures have increased by 1.1°C and without significant intervention, that figure could rise to as much as 6°C according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Every decision a business makes, from sourcing and logistics to energy and waste, could impact this trajectory.
Enabling SMEs to make informed, sustainable choices is essential to meeting global climate targets.
"Even in times of increasing complexities in the world, we have remained committed to our decarbonisation agenda and our persistence is showing positive results,” says Elisabeth Munck af Rösenschöld, Sustainability Manager at IKEA Supply Chain Operations.
“For us, it's not only about reducing climate impact, it's about reimagining the future of global transport systems.
“We're focused on building a better, more resilient global transport system that enables zero emission goods flows, cleaner air, supports the creation of new jobs and enhances cost-efficiency across the entire supply chain."
Making sustainability accessible
Together, the collaboration between the SME Climate Hub and IKEA will offer practical tools and support for SMEs, including:
- Free carbon calculators for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- Sector-specific guidance for reducing emissions
- Templates for reporting climate progress
- “Climate Fit” e-learning modules covering governance, finance, operations and more
- Resources in multiple languages to maximise accessibility
- Information on financial support, including green loans and grants.
The tools are designed to be easy to use and require no specialist knowledge, helping SMEs take the first step towards decarbonisation.
To join the SME Climate Hub, businesses are expected to sign the SME Climate Commitment.
The commitment reads: “Recognising that climate change poses a threat to the economy, nature and society-at-large, our company commits to take action immediately in order to:
1. Halve our greenhouse gas emissions before 2030
2. Achieve net zero emissions before 2050
3. Disclose our progress on a yearly basis.
“In doing so, we are proud to be recognised by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign, and to join governments, businesses, cities, regions and universities around the world with the same mission.”
This public commitment aligns SMEs with the UN Race to Zero campaign and provides recognition, accountability and connection to a global network of climate-conscious organisations.
Creating a positive impact
IKEA cites Sunnyside Guesthouse, a small hospitality business in Southport, UK, as a shining example of an SME making a positive impact.
Initially overwhelmed by the scale of the climate challenge, the owners began with small, manageable actions and over time sustainability became part of the business’s culture and operations.
“What once felt overwhelming has become an exciting challenge,” says Anthony Duffey, Cofounder of Sunnyside Guesthouse.
“We’ve found that in many cases, sustainability actually saves money while improving our guest experience and reputation.”
Its story illustrates the positive impact SMEs can have when supported with the right tools and guidance.
As part of its wider sustainability strategy, IKEA has set a target to become climate positive by 2030.
The company says it understands that it cannot achieve this alone.
A significant portion of its climate footprint sits within its value chain, including the many SMEs that produce, deliver or service IKEA products and customers.
By supporting initiatives like the SME Climate Hub, IKEA is extending climate action beyond its own operations, helping business partners reduce emissions and strengthen their long-term viability.
“The IKEA goal, to be more affordable and accessible, while making steady progress on our sustainability agenda, presents a tremendous opportunity,” says Lena Julle, Acting Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA.
“I look forward to continuing to inspire and enable our customers to live healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.
“Together, we will enable the IKEA transition towards a circular business, accelerate our climate agenda and do our part in supporting a more fair and equal society.”
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