SBH08_03-13 11/9/09 14:32 Page 4
Editors Update
Refrigerators in the Hot Seat
Electrolux CEO Hans Stråberg challenged policy-makers to
introduce consumer incentives for exchanging outdated,
energy-thirsty appliances in an op-ed piece in Dagens Industri,
Sweden’s leading industry newspaper. Using research from
McKinsey & Company as the backbone of his message,
Stråberg pointed out that tax incentives to encourage the
replacement of old appliances with energy-smart counterparts
are proven to have the greatest environmental benefit in
relation to investment. McKinsey compared 200 different
measures to reduce climate change inducing emissions.
“Energy-efficient appliances pay themselves off in
environmental terms. However, for consumers, it is more
difficult to get these purchases to pay off in financial terms.
Policy-makers need to encourage consumers. One way to
achieve this is tax credits that stimulate consumer purchases
The Solar Panel is The New Designer Kitchen
of new, energy-efficient appliances. Another would be Changes in the environment and income has altered the priorities and attitudes of
incentives for recycling the old appliance,” Stråberg writes. householders across the country. Research released on 1st September by the Energy
The message is highly relevant today, as a $300 million Saving Trust reveals that a third of Britons are happy to speculate to accumulate when
program, similar to what Stråberg suggested for Sweden, was it comes to house buying decisions.
recently announced by President Barack Obama. The US Of those polled, a third (35%) said they would be willing to pay more for a home
package will authorize states to create rebates with an where some of their energy supply came from renewable resources such as wind,
expected value of $50 to $200 for each purchase of an solar or hydropower. It seems that Britons are more interested than ever about
appliance with an Energy Star efficiency rating. Beginning this installing a renewable energy source to their property. Almost half of those surveyed
fall, the program will apply to dishwashers, washing machines (49%) said they would like to know if their home is suitable for renewable energy.
and refrigerators. Consumers are not required to recycle their Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said, “It seems
old appliances in the process. Britons are willing to pay more for a home with a renewable energy source, so
In addition, the British Retail Consortium campaigned last investing in a solar panel or a wind turbine could add to the resale value of a
week to lobby the British Government to introduce a property and could be as attractive to house hunters as a new kitchen or solid
combined recycling program for old, energy-thirsty appliances wood floors.” Mr Sellwood added, “Twenty six per cent of carbon emissions are
and waive the 15 percent VAT for new, energy-lean ones. from the home, and with depleting fossil fuels, the government are looking at ways
Similar systems exist or are in the process of being to incentivise householders to install domestic renewable energy. Next year will see
introduced in Spain, Belgium and Japan. The Netherlands the introduction of feed in tariffs, where householders will receive a set payment for
subsidized A-class appliances for a number of years, the electricity generated and exported.”
transforming an antiquated appliance fleet to one of the EU’s The research also reveals that 53% of Britons said that the expense of installing a
most modern. In addition, Italy’s tax credits of up to
renewable energy source is putting them off, however, there are solutions to help
€200
have doubled sales for energy-efficient refrigerators and lower the initial cost.
freezers since 2007. There are grants available to help with the cost of some installations.
Incentives contribute to creating lasting, environmentally- Householders can call the Energy Saving Trust and find out which grants they qualify
aware purchasing behaviour. This is, as Stråberg concludes for. These grants will help with the cost of purchase and installation of renewable
in his article, “a welcome initiative, now when governments technology. The Energy Saving Trust can help advise and sign post householders to
are identifying both measures to stimulate the economy and obtain the right support.
ways to reduce the impacts of climate change.” John Rithings, a green ambassador for the Energy Saving Trust, from Bideford,103
recently invested and installed a solar hot water system in his home with the help of a
grant from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, to install twin PV arrays, 65 panels
in all, which now provide approximately half of his annual power consumption.
Installation was fairly painless and half of the total cost of £33,000 was met by the
grant. John estimates that he will probably make a small return on his investment
over 25 years.
Shortly before retiring, John and his wife sat down and budgeted for their
long-term energy consumption. “We knew that energy was going to be a major cost
over the next 25 years,” he says, “We had work to do on the house anyway, so it
seemed sensible to invest in energy saving technology where possible.”
There are two ways to capture solar energy for use in the home: by installing a
solar water heating system or a solar electricity system. Solar water heating systems
cost between £3,000 and £5,000 and typically save around £50 a year when
replacing gas. Typical solar electricity systems cost (around 2kW) between £8,000
and £14,000 and can save around £200 a year. Investing in both together can save
a household around £250 a year off bills. If using the solar electricity system, any
excess electricity produced can be sold back to the national grid for cash.
Shouting About A Silent Killer
CORGI statistics revealed for carbon monoxide awareness week (16th-20th November) show that around 20 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas
appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if
breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide.
The statistics also disclose that some 20 million households or 47 million people don’t have an alarm or don’t have their appliances serviced often
enough. Nearly one person in thirty surveyed believed that they had suffered from Carbon Monoxide poisoning and only 6% of people are very
confident that they would recognize the symptoms of poisoning.
CORGI installer says: “I visit hundreds of homes every year and I’m staggered by how few have carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a
killer or can leave you with permanent brain damage or paralysis. As you can’t smell, see or taste carbon monoxide, it is essential to protect yourself
with an audible alarm and get your boiler and other fuel-burning appliances checked at least once a year.”
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.sbhonline.eu
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