On April 25 2012, IKEA Canada opened its massive new 31,000 m² (334,000 ft²) Richmond store, built by Ledcor. It was the latest opening in a period of heavy expansion that will bring three new stores in one year.

With this recent wave of stores, IKEA decided to focus strongly on sustainability, and is committed to buildings that are 40 percent more efficient than the last store built by IKEA in 2004.

The Richmond store features a geo-exchange heating and cooling system, a rooftop garden for staff to grow vegetables, and a mix of solar power, efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, skylights, and other measures to maximise energy efficiency. To make sure that it continues to lead the way in sustainability, IKEA is also measuring their water, energy and waste against national and global benchmarks on a regular basis.