Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that, in collaboration with the Carbon Trust and other major tech companies, it has launched a new methodology for measuring the emissions and reductions linked to the use-phase of connected devices, such as laptops and speakers.

The launch of this methodology is part of Samsung’s participation in the Decarbonising the Use-Phase of Connected Devices (DUCD) initiative, through which the company has teamed up with the Carbon Trust, Amazon, Microsoft, and Sky to tackle the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from use-phase electricity consumption of internet-connected electrical and electronic products.

These organisations are focusing on the use-phase in particular because it is typically the largest source of product’s carbon emissions throughout its entire lifetime. Globally, connected devices currently require approximately 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy annually — similar to France’s total energy use. Therefore, understanding and accounting for products’ carbon impact and finding ways to drive down emissions while devices are being used is a priority for the tech industry.

This new methodology sets out how companies can assess and report emissions using data drawn from devices that are being used by their customers, enhancing the accuracy of reporting that has until now relied upon lifetime forecasts used in current emissions accounting. Tech firms will also be able to account for emissions reductions that have been achieved in the process of using the methodology.

The annual reporting of use-phase emissions and reporting of emissions reductions will lead to increased transparency in communication to consumers, incentivising companies to make reductions while products are still being used. The standardisation and accuracy of the data will also guide companies to identify innovative solutions to further reduce the carbon impact of their devices.

Samsung’s contributions to launching the new DUCD methodology are a continuation of the company’s commitment to finding new ways to help save energy. This type of innovation is exemplified by SmartThings Energy, which empowers users to track their energy usage and make better energy decisions, as well as AI Energy Mode, which considers usage patterns and electricity rates to help users better manage energy usage[1].

“The use-phase emissions make up the lion’s share of our products’ carbon emissions across their lifecycle, and measuring is key to managing and reducing emissions,” said Inhee Chung, Vice President of the Corporate Sustainability Center at Samsung Electronics. “At Samsung, engaging and empowering consumers through our energy saving solutions is a key element of our climate strategy, and we look forward to applying the DUCD methodology to demonstrate how our SmartThings platform and its AI Energy Mode support  consumers to monitor and help reduce the energy use of their connected devices.”

“Connected devices are becoming increasingly relevant in everyday life and so it was important to bring key players in the technology industry together to start to address use-phase emissions now. This collaboration has produced a significantly improved approach for the calculation and reporting of carbon emissions and reductions achieved from connected devices and lays the foundation for further efforts to address emissions in this challenging area,” said Felix Prettejohn, Senior Consultant at the Carbon Trust.

[1] The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Users are required to utilise a single log-in account between the devices.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s leading TV manufacturer for 16 consecutive years,* announced that many of its 2022 Neo QLEDs earned the ‘Reducing CO2’ certification from the Carbon Trust in recognition of its efforts to reduce the products’ carbon footprint.

The Carbon Trust is a global climate consultancy driven by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. The ‘Reducing CO2’ certification signifies that a product’s carbon footprint is reducing year-on-year. It evaluates the amount of GHG(Greenhouse Gas) generated throughout the entire product lifecycle using internationally recognized standards[1].

This year, 11 models across Samsung’s 2022 TV lineup (9 of which will be available in Australia), including three Neo QLED 8K models, three Neo QLED 4K models, two QLED models, two Lifestyle TV models, and one Crystal UHD TV model, obtained the certification by reducing the weight of the product and the power consumption during the use phase.

Samsung has long been committed to not only driving product innovation but also shaping and implementing environmental sustainability technologies. During Samsung’s keynote event at CES 2022, Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung Electronic’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, unveiled the company’s vision of “Together for Tomorrow”, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to creating a sustainable future and driving collaboration as part of the global community to preserve our planet.

As part of the initiative, Samsung’s Visual Display Business is set to use around 30 times more recycled plastics to produce its display products than it did in 2021. Samsung also revealed its plan to expand the use of recycled materials in all of their mobile and home appliance products by 2025.

In addition, Samsung has been adopting various sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impacts throughout its products’ lifecycles. The company’s ‘Eco-Packaging’ program – which allows consumers to upcycle the packaging for TV products into versatile pieces of furniture – has been upgraded this year with product packaging using 90% less ink while also removing the staples during production.[2]

Samsung has also expanded the SolarCell Remote, which eliminates battery waste with built-in solar panels, to all TV models in 2022. Additionally, Samsung has developed and applied a new material, partially made with repurposed ocean-bound plastics, to a 2022 high resolution monitor S8to reduce marine waste and minimize the environmental footprint.

“As the market leader for 16 consecutive years, Samsung is not only focused on the technological advancements, but innovations around human-centric technology and the environment,” said Seokwoo Yong, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to implement various sustainability initiatives and eco-conscious activities in line with its ‘Going Green’ vision.”

*Source – Omdia, Jan-2021. Ranking in terms of shipments. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung.

[1] Internationally recognized standards such as PAS 2050, GHG Product Standard or ISO 14067.

[2] Compared to ink levels and staples in Samsung’s 2021 TV packaging.