Electrolux is a member of U4E, a public-private partnership led by the United Nations Environment Program.
According to estimates by the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency can provide up to 50% of the reduction in carbon emissions needed to meet the two-degree climate target.* Energy-efficient appliances play a key part here.
With rising incomes and improving living standards in emerging economies, the demand for basic products such as appliances grows. The better quality of life provided by appliances is clearly welcome but will at the same time increase electricity demand and carbon emissions.
Refrigerators, as one example, can be beneficial in emerging economies because they preserve food longer and free up time for mothers to work and for kids to go to school. They also impact the environment in a number of ways. They consume electricity, which in turn results in carbon emissions. They release gases used in the refrigerants and insulating foams.
In developing countries, where markets are largely unregulated, old appliances are common and can consume up to three times more energy than the latest, most efficient models. In 2015, residential refrigerators in developing countries stood for approximately 10% of global electricity consumption in households.**
Switching to highly efficient products makes it possible for people to enjoy modern life in a way some of us take for granted, all while minimizing their impact on the climate.
Electrolux is a member of U4E, a public-private partnership led by the United Nations Environment Program to promote high-efficiency appliances and equipment.
U4E aims to contribute to a 10% decrease in global electricity consumption and an absolute reduction of 1.25 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030.
Electrolux, together with our industry partners, supports U4E with expertise, best practice data and examples to make the environmental and financial case for high-efficiency products. This includes energy labelling, incentive programs and how to effectively take care of redundant appliances.
Electrolux has also received the Ökovision Sustainability Leadership Award, which recognizes the company as a pioneer in developing energy and water efficient products.
This case study is related to our promise Solutions for healthy and sustainable living for more people.
* Source: United for Energy Efficiency
**Accelerating the Global Adoption of Climate-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Refrigerators.
U4E is supported by Electrolux and eight other private sector partners, as well as several technical organizations and initiatives