Love of gadgets threatens emissions target success

07 October 2011 16:07:08

Households have more appliances and gadgets than ever before.

The UK will miss a key carbon emissions target in 2020 unless steps are taken to reduce Britons' reliance on household appliances and gadgets, experts have warned. According to the Energy Saving Trust, efforts need to be increased to encourage consumers to replace old appliances with more energy-efficient ones. As well as helping the country to combat climate change, the move could help householders to reduce their gas and electric bills.

UK could miss 2020 green targets
The government has agreed to target a 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, relative to 1990 levels, which will require a concerted effort to reduce domestic energy consumption and waste. However, the Energy Saving Trust's latest research suggests that this target could be missed by up to 7m tonnes unless action is taken to reduce emissions relating to the use of domestic appliances.

Number of domestic appliances at all-time high
The organisation, which was set up to help consumers reduce their gas and electric bills and combat climate change, says that the number of home appliances and gadgets has soared within recent years. In fact, the average household now owns 3.5 times more electrical appliances and gadgets than they did 20 years ago. Many of these are inefficient and the Energy Saving Trust believes 2m tonnes of carbon dioxide would be prevented from entering the atmosphere if all households replaced their old fridge-freezer, washing machine and dishwasher with the most efficient models. In addition, the move would reduce the nation's domestic gas and electric bills by £585m.

Experts demand end to 'gadget love affair'
Domestic appliances and the way in which we use them can have a bigger impact on energy consumption than people think, according to Dr Paula Owen, who authored the report. She said: "Our love affair with domestic gadgets and gizmos has to change; just because you have bought an efficient appliance, doesn't mean you can use it carelessly and never switch it off. We need to ask ourselves is that ice-maker in the fridge a necessity? Do I need to leave those chargers on the whole time? Do I need a 50+ inch TV screen? Not only can people cut their carbon footprint, but they can also bring down their electricity bills considerably."

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