“IKEA Ottawa co-workers are counting down the days until we welcome customers to a bigger and better store,” says Isabelle Auclair, IKEA Ottawa Store Manager. “The excitement is really gaining momentum.”
IKEA Ottawa invites local and surrounding area residents to come join in the excitement and experience Canada’s largest IKEA store at the Grand Opening ceremony, starting at 8:20 a.m., which will feature entertainment, giveaways and special appearances by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and City Councillor Rick Chiarelli.
The new store is conveniently located in the Pinecrest Shopping Centre, just a few stores down from the current location which willclosed its doors on December 4th.
The launch of IKEA’s largest store in Canada will also be the unveiling of its most energy-efficient building. The new store will be 40% more efficient than the last IKEA store built in Canada in 2004.
“IKEA has a strong commitment to minimizing the impact that our business has on the environment as much as possible,” says Auclair. “To ensure we are leading the way, IKEA Ottawa will measure, record and benchmark water, energy and waste key performance indicators against our national and global counterparts on a regular basis.”
The new building will use an automation system for increased energy efficiency, and will take advantage of available technologies in lighting and water sensors, low-flow plumbing, efficient light sources and highly efficient restaurant equipment. The Ottawa store will be equipped with facilities and equipment to allow the store to achieve a goal of diverting 90 per cent of its solid waste from the landfill.
IKEA customers can also get involved. Parking spots designated for hybrid cars and an in-store customer take-back recycling centre for light bulbs and batteries will be available.
Enviro highlights
• Highly reflective rooftop to reduce solar heating in the summer
• Light-emitting diode (LED) garage lighting
• Hybrid/fuel efficient parking spots
• Will use building automation system for increased energy efficiency of building
• Use of efficient lighting sources (LED, T5 and Compact fluorescent light bulbs [CFL])
• Office area equipped with light occupancy sensors
• Use of de-stratification fans in warehouse to increase temperature efficiency
• Use of non-solvent-based paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• In-store customer take-back recycling for bulbs and batteries
• Use of environmentally-friendly cleaning solvents, and tissue paper towel products
• Use of high-efficiency hand dryers
• Use of heat-recovery systems
• Improved waste/recycling sorting areas planned for compactor room and throughout the office area and retail floor
• Use of low-flow plumbing equipment
• Use of water tap sensors in bathrooms
• Use of central heating and cooling plants
• All stores are required to measure, record and benchmark water, energy and waste key performance indicators to their country and global counterparts.
