National Study Finds Electronics Significantly Reduce Energy Use, Cut Greenhouse-Gas Emissions
ARLINGTON, Va., Sep 19, 2007 -- BUSINESS WIRE
A new national study commissioned by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) shows that using electronics to telecommute saves the equivalent of 9 to 14 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year -- the same amount of energy used by roughly 1 million U.S. households every year.
The study, The Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact of Telecommuting and e-Commerce, was commissioned by CEA to determine energy savings and CO2 reductions that result from the nation's increased use of electronics, such as personal computers and wireless networks.
"This report demonstrates that consumer electronics are part of a climate change solution, as the use of electronics is preventing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing fossil fuel consumption," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Statistics have been available to detail how much energy electronics use, but less was known about the environmental benefits of consumer products developed by our industry when used to communicate and conduct business."
"Our members' voluntary participation in energy efficiency programs such as Energy Star(TM) are creating technological innovations and significant energy savings," continued Shapiro, adding, "CEA continues to support energy efficiency through voluntary approaches, research, industry-led standards and consumer-education initiatives."
The CEA study, conducted by TIAX LLC of Cambridge, Massachusetts, found that just one day of telecommuting saves the equivalent of up to 12 hours of an average household's electricity use. Telecommuting also saves 1.4 gallons of gasoline and reduces CO2 emissions by 17 to 23 kilograms per day, showing the power of one individual to impact their environment in a single day by using electronics, said Shapiro.
The study focused on workers who spend one or more days working from home each week and considered the energy consumed by telecommuting compared with traditional methods.
Telecommuting reduces energy consumption associated with transportation to and from the office and, in some cases, a portion of the energy associated with commercial office space.
If that same worker, with a one-way commute of 22 miles, telecommuted five days a week, she would save about 320 gallons of gasoline and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.5 to 6 tons per year, according to TIAX researchers. She would also save an amount of energy equivalent to roughly 4,000 to 6,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, which is comparable to the electricity consumed by an average household in 4 to 6 months.
"With power companies looking to reduce electric demand, and our nation seeking to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, I believe there is terrific potential for the consumer electronics industry to drive emissions reductions and energy savings, if more workers telecommuted," said Shapiro. "We urge all businesses to fully consider the potential of consumer electronics to achieve these important environmental goals."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
SOURCE: Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
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