Speaking at the opening of the Leading European Architects Forum ’07 (LEAF) in London, Susan Roaf, professor of architecture, the author of Eco House 1 and 2 and creator of her own eco house, urged manufacturers and retailers to start educating their customers about the ways of reducing the carbon emission footprint of their homes.
Average annual domestic carbon emission per UK household is 1.54 tonnes per year, and while heating is responsible for 53% of this figure, household appliances contribute 16%. “White goods matter,” said Susan Roaf. “The role of both manufacturers and retailers is to educate their customers about the urgent need to make changes in their homes, so they are able to afford energy bills in the future.”
Andy Mackay, UK brand & marketing director at Electrolux, the company sponsoring this year’s LEAF, commented: “Clearly energy efficient appliances will make a real contribution to reducing carbon emission in the homes of the future. Effective manufacturing processes also make a major contribution to the environment and Electrolux has taken a pro-active approach to driving sustainable development including Sustainability Reporting.”
New technology is the key to improved energy consumption. A new fridge, for example, uses 45% less electricity than an average model from 1992. Encouraging consumers to exchange more than ten years old models for more efficient ones is a good starting point.