Even as the world recently celebrated Earth Day, the ravaging impact of climate change is being felt globally through extreme weather events like wild fires, massive flooding, devastating hurricanes and severe drought.
Scientists have for a long time warned that global warming is primarily caused by human beings, with some studies even showing that human-related emissions and activities could account for as much as 100 percent of the temperature increase recorded since 1950.
As such, people are increasingly questioning the impact of the products they use on the environment. Instead, they are opting for environmentally-friendly products that do not harm the planet, for example, by producing greenhouse gas emissions.
There is also a growing clamor for products that are energy saving and with net zero emissions. With the world gradually shifting from fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy like solar, consumers also want products that contribute to sustainability and are easy to recycle.
Today’s consumer is more environmentally conscious than ever before. Research by the Shelton Group shows that 90 percent of millennials will only purchase products by brands that adhere to sound environmental and social businesses practices.
This should not just be Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but embracing sound principles of environmental and social governance (ESG).
As a consumer, how do you know that a brand is backed by sound ESG practices? By simply looking out for attributes that are measurable, for instance, reduced water consumption, energy saving, and capable of being easily recycled at the end of the product’s life.
It’s not the ‘green labels’ that matter but the tangible benefits to the health and well-being of consumers, communities and the planet. Consumers can actually measure the social and environmental impact of the products they use. One key measure is how an appliance or device saves energy thus reducing household bills.
A good example is the DUAL Inverter Compressor Technology inside LG’s air conditioners which continuously adjusts speed for the perfect temperature thus delivering high energy saving performance by reducing electricity usage by 70 percent. It cools rooms 40 percent faster than conventional models.
The other marvel of energy efficiency is the DUAL Inverter Heat Pump by LG which deploys high-performing dryers and heaters to achieve lower temperatures that are easy on your clothes.
This means clothes last longer saving you money spent on the wardrobe. Reducing the load of damaged clothing in the waste dumps, means more environmentally-friendly consumption and lifestyles.
The LG Styler takes the prize for its ability to recycle heat from damp air inside the cabinet thus using less electricity, enough to make the energy-conscious consumer jump with excitement.
Think of how the huge savings on electricity bills by a small laundry business using the LG Styler would contribute to its success.
Speaking of brands that ‘walk the talk’ on sustainability, LG’s innovative core technology applications not only deliver a superior consumer experience but cut energy use in quite creative ways.
The LG ThinQ app comes with energy monitoring dashboards that allow users to save energy by modifying their behavior. Responsible consumption and production is the 12th among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is about doing more with less use of scarce resources.
Most of the energy used in buildings is used to power homes appliances and air conditioners. Scientific evidence shows that energy consumption is one of the indictors of increase in greenhouse gas emissions which cause global warming and climate change.
Energy-saving devices therefore contribute positively toward net zero emissions and the global goals on climate change.
However, brands must go beyond environmental concerns like energy efficiency to connecting even with eco-consumers at a more personal level. Products should promote inclusion and diversity both in design and functionality, enabling as many people as possible to access and use them.
LG Electronics, a leading global consumer brand, is at the forefront of designing products that integrate such benefits into the core technology. This means energy saving appliances and air solutions are accessible to persons with physical and mobility impairments.
For instance, LG cleaning solutions like WashTower and CordZero M9 root vacuum cleaner have audio instructions and braille overlays so that the visually impaired can enjoy the best home devices. And as the world gears up for the World Environment Day on June 5, this is a time for brands and consumers to reflect on this year’s theme, namely, ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ and what better way to achieve this than reducing the energy footprint.