LG Electronics USA says its sales of products designated by the EPA as “Energy Star Most Efficient” increased 75 percent in 2012.At launch, 15 washing machines, 18 televisions and four central air conditioners or heat source pumps were included in the designation. Currently, about five percent of Energy Star certified products carry the “Most Efficient” designation.
In September, LG was one of a host of electronics firms and retailers that joined the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge, committing to send 100 percent of the used electronics it collects to third-party certified refurbishers and recyclers, and to increase the amount of used electronics it collects. The challenge, an initiative that aims to make electronics refurbishing and recycling practices the industry standard, requires participating recyclers to show an accredited, independent auditor they meet specific standards to safely recycle and manage used electronics.
Other firms joining the initiative in September included Best Buy, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sprint and Staples.
