Sales for LG products that attained EPA’s “Energy Star Most Efficient” designation jumped 75 percent in 2012, saving consumers more than $150 million in utility costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 930 million pounds over the life of the products, according to a recent announcement by the electronics company.
Sales for LG products that attained EPA’s “Energy Star Most Efficient” designation jumped 75 percent in 2012, saving consumers more than $150 million in utility costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 930 million pounds over the life of the products, according to a recent announcement by the electronics company.
Since last fall, LG has participated in several of the Environmental Protection Agency's corporate programs, including the Green Power Partnership, Waste Wise, e-waste recycling, WaterSense and Energy Star. Together, LG says these efforts will further enhance its clean energy portfolio, eliminate operational waste and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
For the second year in a row, LG also has joined the Team Energy Star campaign — an EPA initiative to educate youth and families on how to save energy and help protect the climate with educational activities and energy-saving measures at home.
“As an organization, we’d like to see ourselves as more than just an electronics and appliance company,” says Christine Ackerson, sustainability and CSR manager for LG Electronics USA. “We’re striving to be a connection point for consumers to understand the link between energy consumption, GHG emissions and climate change.”
While many investors see sustainability as a liability, LG says its shareholder returns are healthy and financial performance remains solid. Since May 2012, the company has boasted a 16 percent return, and expects the upward trend to continue. The company says it also has seen increased global demand for its home appliances, mobile devices and electronics that embody energy efficiency.
LG says it wishes to further distinguish itself as a corporate leader by becoming more robust at the product level on how it connects with consumers on the company’s sustainability progress. The company also plans to begin reaching out to U.S. policymakers to express support for carbon legislation.
LG, along with Samsung, earlier this year became the first to offer television models rated on the Electronic Product Environmental Tool (EPEAT) global registry for greener electronics, which recently expanded to include televisions. This was the first time a comprehensive standard has been available for consumers, companies and governments to identify eco-friendly televisions, including HDTVs and Smart TVs.
Published Jul 1, 2013 3am EDT / 12am PDT / 8am BST / 9am CEST
Managing Director, Sustainability & Social Impact
Deutsche Bank
Mike Hower is a sustainability communicator and connector committed to helping purpose-driven businesses and people unlock their full potential for positive impact. As founder and principal consultant at Hower Impact, he works with companies to translate sustainability strategy into stories that inform, engage and inspire investors, customers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders in the service of social, environmental and business goals. Through his Impact Hired initiative, he works to connect and engage corporate sustainability professionals at all stages of their careers.
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