To acknowledge the increasingly important link between design and the environment, the Australian International Design Awards presented this award to the finalist product that demonstrates the most environmentally-responsible design.
John Gertsakis, Senior Sustainability Consultant at WSP Environmental and one of this year’s judges, said the Electrolux refrigeration collection was a standout example of a product addressing a range of environmental issues through design.
“The collection demonstrates a sophisticated approach to design for sustainability. It shows how you can successfully combine good design with environmental performance and how design can effectively address functionality, aesthetic quality and affordability in a product that potentially has a significant environmental impact,” he said.
All 14 models in the 2008 Electrolux refrigeration collection are designed to be highly energy efficient. They all have a high energy rating and use 49% less energy than 10-year-old models of equivalent capacity. All models use Isobutane, a non-synthetic refrigerant with a shorter life in the atmosphere and feature low-wattage defrost systems, vacuum paneling and high efficiency compressors.
The judges were also impressed by the Electrolux commitment to product stewardship with a take-back service for previously owned fridges, product packaging recycling and product life expectancy of 20 years or more.
Stephanie Watson, Program Director of the Australian International Design Awards, said: “With up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact locked in at the design stage, designers are in a strong position to encourage environmentally-responsible actions. We believe it is important to recognize those designers and companies who are making practical design decisions that influence a product’s environmental impact in a positive way.”
For more information please contact Electrolux Press Hotline at +46 8 6576507 or press@electrolux.com
