Sustainability News for 1st September: Introduction
Welcome to the Sustainability News for 1st September, where we shine a light on action, innovation and leadership driving a greener future. The Play It Green community knows that change happens when vision meets commitment, and this week’s stories are a perfect example.
We have IKEA’s incoming CEO pledging to do right by people, planet and business, UK teenagers ready to jump straight into green jobs, and new mortgage guidance designed to accelerate energy-efficient homes.
These are the moments that remind us progress is more than possible, it’s happening, right now!
New Ingka Group CEO commits to sustainable growth
Jesper Brodin will step down in November after eight years leading Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchisee.
His successor, Juvencio Maeztu, currently CFO and deputy CEO, brings a career-long focus on sustainability. He oversaw the opening of IKEA Greenwich, described as the retailer’s most sustainable UK store, complete with rooftop solar, ground-source heating and rainwater harvesting.
Maeztu has also expanded low-emission delivery partnerships and launched resale and refurbishment programmes. He said: “Doing what’s right for business, people and the planet is what drives our long-term success.”
Brodin leaves with IKEA sourcing 100% renewable energy, reducing emissions by 24.3% since 2016, and publishing its first climate Transition Plan. Maeztu inherits a strong foundation and a workforce of 170,000, with a clear mandate to grow affordability and sustainability side by side.
UK school leavers ready for green careers
A survey by E.ON has revealed that over one in four UK school leavers want to enter the green economy straight away.
Of the 2,007 teenagers polled, 34% do not plan to attend university. Among them, almost half cited the desire to start a sustainability-focused career immediately.
Green roles in low-carbon energy, sustainable construction, building design and nature conservation were among the most popular choices. More than half of respondents believe jobs contributing to a greener future have greater value.
E.ON’s Chief People Officer Helen Bradbury said: “Young people know that meaningful climate action needs to happen now – there is no time to lose.”
The research also showed strong interest in apprenticeships, driven by a desire to avoid student debt and gain practical skills faster. For employers, the message is clear: the next generation is ready to work for a better world now.
Green mortgage guidance launches for UK housing market
The Green Finance Institute and Green Mortgage Advice Initiative have published a new roadmap to scale the UK’s green mortgage sector.
Backed by 34 organisations, including Santander and Barratt Redrow, it outlines priority actions for policymakers, lenders, investors and industry groups. The goal is to make energy-efficient homes more accessible while encouraging upgrades like insulation and low-carbon heating.
Green mortgages offer preferential rates for properties that meet environmental standards or commit to improvements. Lenders may also provide additional funding for upgrades.
GFI campaign lead Chloe Timperley said the roadmap “sets out a shared vision to help us move forward as an industry”.
With the UK mortgage market worth £242bn a year, the opportunity is significant. Consumer research shows more than half of buyers are interested in mortgages that help improve energy efficiency. If adopted widely, these products could lower emissions, cut energy bills and reshape the housing market for the better.
Sustainability News for 1st September: Wrap-Up
This week’s Sustainability News for 1st September shows how leadership, ambition and collaboration are pushing sustainability into the mainstream. From IKEA’s boardroom to the UK’s classrooms, and from mortgage lenders to homeowners, change is being driven by people committed to a better future.
The Play It Green community shares this spirit every day, taking steps to reduce footprints, repair nature and support others. Together, we’re proving that action today creates a greener tomorrow.
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