ICA Gruppen reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 31 %

In 2006, ICA Gruppen set a target to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30% by 2020. This target has now been reached, six years ahead of schedule. The reduction has been achieved, among other things, by measures to reduce energy consumption, a transfer to renewable electricity in stores and warehouses, lower emissions from transports and by changing refrigerants.

“It is highly gratifying that we have reached our ambitious climate target ahead of time. This is excellent proof that our joint efforts have yielded results. We will now work on a new long-term climate objective,” says Per Strömberg CEO of ICA Gruppen AB.

ICA Gruppen has reduced its direct* greenhouse gas emissions by 31 %. This means that the Group achieved its long-term climate target in 2014. The Group’s direct carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 13% in 2014 compared with 2013.

The target was largely achieved through long-term efforts with several measures within energy, refrigerants, transports and business travel.

A number of important events during the past year contributed to this target being met. All Norwegian warehouses and ICA-owned stores switched to purchasing solely renewable electricity. In Sweden, the logistics operations increased the proportion of goods transports with vehicles that use alternative fuels. Efforts in the warehouses such as more effective control and adjustment of lighting and a changeover to LED lighting provided good results.

A large part of the reduction also comes from energy-saving measures in stores, including a large number of stores putting lids and doors on refrigerators and freezers. As a result, energy consumption in relation to store space has decreased despite an increase in total store space. Other measures that have contributed are a higher proportion of Swedish stores using renewable electricity. In 2014 several employees at ICA stores attended training which included practical advice on how the stores can reduce their electricity consumption.

* Direct climate impact relates to the operation of stores and warehouses, goods transportation between warehouses and stores, and business travel. The climate impact from the product range is not included.

Fact climate target:
ICA Gruppen will reduce its direct climate impact by 30% by 2020 compared with 2006.

For more information
ICA Gruppen’s press service, telephone: +46 10 422 52 52

ICA Gruppen AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 8:30 CET on Wednesday, 11 February 2015

ICA Gruppen AB (publ) is a leading retail company with a focus on food and health. The Group includes ICA Sweden and Rimi Baltic which mainly conduct grocery retail, ICA Real Estate which owns and manages properties, ICA Bank which offers financial services and, since January 2015, Apotek Hjärtat which conducts pharmacy operations. The Group also includes ICA Norway which is being divested, the wholly owned portfolio company inkClub and the partly owned portfolio companies Cervera and Hemtex. For more information see icagruppen.se

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