Half of Brits want more energy efficient products
mongabay.com
July 4, 2006
Half of British consumers want to see energy inefficient products banned from the market according to a new survey by Energy Saving Trust (EST), a UK-based non-profit organization.
In a study of over 1,000 consumers, published in a report titled “The Rise of the Machines“, EST found that 93% of those surveyed were also in favor of tougher product regulations and consumer incentives to purchase energy efficient goods.
“As the consumer electronics market continues to grow, further development of energy efficient products will be vital to help in the fight against climate change,” said Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust. “Whether buying a fridge, MP3 player or DVD recorder, consumers should be able to make an informed choice between an efficient and inefficient model and 62% say they need more advice and information about this from the retailers and manufacturers.”
The report notes that large plasma television screens consumed up to four times as much power as sets that use normal cathode ray tubes.
The report found that just over half the people surveyed claimed they were willing to pay a premium for products that benefited the environment, while more than 80 percent of people said they tried saving energy on a day-to-day basis.
The organization is calling on the British government to introduce energy efficiency labeling to ensure consumers know the environmental impact of the products they are buying.
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