[Greens-Media] Labelling and standards needed to stop greenhouse explosion from super TVs

[John Kaye]

Labelling and standards needed to stop greenhouse explosion from super
TVs
 
Media Release: 30 June 2007
 
Plasma screen TVs are driving up home greenhouse gas emissions because
consumers have not been warned about how much energy they guzzle,
according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: “The failure of energy labelling regulations to cover
televisions is leading some consumers to increase their annual emissions
by almost a third of a tonne of CO2.
 
“If NSW Energy Minister Ian Macdonald is serious about global warming
he will push his state and federal colleagues into agreeing to an
immediate labelling requirement for all new TVs.
 
“Waiting until 2011 is too long. Too many households will have already
committed thousands of dollars to energy hungry units that will continue
to guzzle electricity for years to come.
 
“Most consumers choosing a new television are unaware that large plasma
screen units are energy intensive. 
 
“A typical 106 cm plasma screen TV watched for three hours a day will
be responsible for more than 0.4 tonnes of CO2 pouring out of power
stations each year.
 
“That’s the equivalent to 1,200 km of vehicle travel. It turns
television watching into a significant source of household greenhouse
gases.
 
“There are alternative options that are less energy hungry, even
amongst large sets.
 
“A typical 100 cm LCD unit would produce 39% less emissions.
Technologies exist for much more efficient products.
 
“Consumers are increasingly aware of the need to choose efficient
appliances to assist in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
“If Minister Macdonald and his colleagues can get a move on and not
delay until 2011 to introduce labelling, then market pressure will drive
manufactures and retailers towards offering lower consumption models,”
Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information:John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000