Our sector is focusing on increasing awareness for energy efficiency measures inside- and outside its business operations. Employee training in energy savings best practices is as important as consumer engagement in best practices. Companies often pair with social partners to increase awareness.
IKEA Belgium has launched a new range of affordable plug‑in solar panels designed for balconies, gardens, terraces, façades and other small outdoor spaces. Developed in partnership with renewable energy provider Svea Solar and developed by EcoFlow, these compact solar solutions make it easier for households to generate their own renewable electricity, including people living in apartments or homes without access to a suitable roof. Since April 2025, balcony solar panels have been permitted in Belgium, and IKEA is the first large retailer to offer a complete, ready‑to‑use range responding to this new opportunity. The systems are modular, easy to install without the need for an electrician and can be connected directly to a standard power socket. A complete balcony set is available from €349, with prices across the range varying from €249 to €1,500. Some solutions include energy storage, allowing users to store solar power generated during the day and use it later, increasing self‑consumption and energy independence. The offer is available online via IKEA Belgium and complements the broader energy services portfolio of IKEA, which already includes home batteries and charging solutions. Through this initiative, IKEA aims to lower the barriers to renewable energy and enable more people to actively participate in the energy transition in a simple, affordable and accessible way.
Efficient logistics are essential to achieve greater sustainability in mobility. ANGED members encourage the use of more sustainable transport for employees and consumers, with charging points for electric vehicles and bicycles parking lots.
APED member companies, both retail and wholesale, have initiatives to contribute to the reduction in energy consumption and to promote energy efficiency. Actions implemented cover good practices (monitoring of energy consumption, training and raising awareness of employees).
In 2017, IKEA Germany opened the “More Sustainable Store” in Kaarst near Düsseldorf, the world’s most sustainable store at that time. The aim of this international pilot project was to harmonize the three sustainability pillars of ecology, economy, and social responsibility in all its facets – from the use of environmentally friendly technologies to local cooperations. In the energy concept for the new store, IKEA relied on a combination of many efficient and resource-saving technologies. The result was a unique store that represented an important step towards a more sustainable future for IKEA. The holistic concept of IKEA Kaarst delivered a lot of tests and proof points as well as learnings for IKEA while developing the “People & Planet Positive” strategy, especially with focus on how to integrate sustainability into expansion projects and operating buildings, as well as how to cooperate with local communities while opening and after opening a store.
Metro has elevated their energy saving measures in various ways. Metro has taken measures to raise awareness throughout the workforce so savings can be achieved on a much more micro-behavioral level, adaptable for each of their respective state regulations.
Companies encourage the use of more sustainable transport for employees and consumers, with charging points for electric vehicles and bicycle parking lots.
Lidl Switzerland trains its employees to reduce energy consumption in day-to-day activities.
HDE member Globetrotter naturally focuses its sustainability activities on its core business and its value chain. In March 2018 Globetrotter started with “A greener choice” – with this, Globetrotter evaluates and labels products from its range with regard to sustainability. The Greener Choice icon aims to make it easy for customers to buy greener products from Globetrotter. Gradually, all products from the range are evaluated with regard to defined sustainability criteria and those that make an extra contribution to people, animals and nature are marked. Examples of this can be that the product was produced using particularly energy-efficient and gentle processes, recycled materials or natural, organic materials were used, or the product supply chain is transparent and traceable.
