Thursday, June 25, 2009

Energy Efficiency standards for appliances.

Before buying any electric or energy consuming appliances we need to check, does it save energy? Is it energy efficient? However, how to check that? Here come the energy efficiency standards to help us decide our green appliance.

Worldwide there are different energy efficiency standards, ratings or labels. Some countries have their own standards some countries are following standards set by other countries. Most of them are similar. Some are voluntary, some are mandatory.

Therefore, here is the list of most of these standards & labels according to their country of origin. If you want to buy product made in ‘country’ then check out energy rating given in front of it.

Made in India - BEE star ratings (Buro of Energy Efficiency, India)
Made In US - Energy Star Label, California Energy commission
Made in Australia- Energy Star rating
Made In UK - Energy saving recommended certification
Made in Germany- Blue angel, Nordic Swan


European Union- Energy plus, EU Eco Label, the Group for Energy Efficient Appliances (GEEA)

Made in Japan- Top runner label

Made in Singapore- Energy Efficincy rating, NAE (National Environment Agency)



In Asian market, the China Energy Conservation Project is expected to issue standards for electronics. Korea's voluntary Energy Saving Office Equipment & Home Electronics Program is important.
Other worldwide Energy efficiency labels are as follows


















So check out these labels on the appliances before you buy any!!!
(Send me energy efficiency logo which is not listed above)

Check out the latest updated post on this topic here.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

World Environment Day 2009- 5th June

World Environment day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. WED is hosted every year by different city and commemorated with international exposition through the week of June 5. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), also created in 1972, uses WED to stimulate awareness of environment and enhance political attention and public action.

On this day individuals, non-government organisations, community and youth groups, business, industry and the media
organise activities to renew their commitments to protect and develop environment. they organise activities such as clean up campaigns, tree planting, colorful street rallies, green concert, essay and photo competitions in schools and recycling efforts.
To know more about the World Environment Day please visit the link,
http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english

World Environment Day Themes for past years:

The theme for 2005 World Environment day was "Green Cities" and the slogan was "Plan for Planet!".
The topic for WED 2006 was Dessert and Desertification and the slogan was " Don't desert dry lands"
The topic for WED 2007 was "Melting Ice - a Hot Topic?" During International Polar year.
The host for 2008 WED was New Zealand. With the main international celebrations schedule for Wellington. The slogan for 2008 was "CO2, Kick the Habit!"

World Environment Day 2009:

The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.
This year's host is Mexico, which reflects the growing role of the Latin American country in fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets.
Mexico is also a leading partner in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign. The country, with the support of it's President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and planting of some 25 per cent of trees under the campaign. accounting for around 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is demonstrating its commitment to climate change on several fronts.

To celebrate World Environment Day, Use Less, Act More! Daily Do Something!