Ikea brings in hybrid car fleet

Ikea wants to cut its global energy useage by 25%

Swedish furniture chain Ikea has announced it is to replace its company car fleet with hybrid vehicles.

The company is buying 50 Honda Civic Hybrid cars - which produce fewer carbon emissions - with more to be ordered next year.

Ikea is also distributing about 60,000 low-energy light bulbs among its 9,600 UK employees.

It said the initiatives were "a series of small steps" in improving the firm's environmental impact.

'Leading role'

Ikea is aiming to use renewable energy supplies for its electricity and heating at all stores worldwide by 2012.

It has also set a target of cutting its energy usage by 25% by the same date.

"We do not claim to have all the answers," said environment manager Charlie Browne.

"However we believe that we are moving in the right direction and will continue to actively examine other environmentally sustainable initiatives."

The firm's car fleet has just 100 vehicles, the company said, and the move will not include its delivery vehicles.

Welcoming the move, the National Energy Foundation said that all company employees should begin playing their part in reducing carbon emissions.

"Through these initiatives Ikea, with its high brand recognition, will be playing a leading role in making this change happen," a spokesman said.