Samsung Electronics 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 internet-connected electronic devices.

The launch of this methodology is part of Samsung’s participation in the Decarbonizing 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 organizations 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, incentivizing companies to make reductions while products are still being used. The standardization 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 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.

“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 enable consumers to monitor and 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.

About the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust is a global climate consultancy driven by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. We have been climate pioneers for over 20 years, partnering with businesses, governments and financial institutions to drive positive climate action. From strategic planning and target setting to activation and communication – we turn ambition into impact. To date, our 400 experts have helped set 200+ science-based targets and guided 3,000+ organisations and cities across five continents on their route to Net Zero.

Samsung SmartThings began as Samsung Electronics’ Internet of Things (IoT) platform, connecting not only Samsung products but also a wide array of devices from partner companies. This integration has evolved into a seamless, connected experience tailored to fit diverse lifestyles.

Growing from 100 million subscribers in 2019 to over 350 million by August 2024, SmartThings has established Samsung as a leader in the smart home market. The platform continues to expand its influence in the IoT industry by enhancing its AI-driven capabilities and even extending its reach into the B2B space.

Check out the infographic below to explore Samsung SmartThings’ 10-year journey of innovation.

Samsung Electronics announced the launch of its new energy-efficient Extra Wide Bottom Mount Freezer¹ in Europe. The refrigerator was unveiled at ‘Welcome to BESPOKE AI’, a global launch event held at les Pavillon des Étangs in Paris on April 3. It achieves a high energy rating as a product itself, while its Wi-Fi capabilities allow for even further energy savings with SmartThings Energy.

“In response to the reality that energy efficiency is more important to consumers than ever, Samsung is launching a new model for the modern era,” said Moohyung Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team of Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through our considerable R&D efforts, we’ve been able to provide energy-saving opportunities in addition to the Samsung quality and features that global consumers appreciate. We’re confident that users would take advantages of Samsung’s new refrigerator in their day-to-day lives.”

Notably, the refrigerator has received an energy “A” rating according to EU energy standards, which is for the first time in Samsung’s extra wide bottom mount freezer type. Samsung implements its unique solutions to decrease energy consumption by 55.9% compared to the conventional model.² Especially the new AI Inverter Compressor³ is a key part to achieve an A grade according to EU energy standards.

The new high-efficient AI Inverter Compressor has been redesigned to increase the radius of the rotating parts which enables its inertia to be higher than the conventional compressor⁴ by 4.1 times. It means that the compressor can keep the power longer, so it uses less energy while keeping the temperature in the fridge moderate. The compressor also contributes to lowering the noise level by up to 5 times quieter than the conventional model⁵ thanks to the new control technology.

Additionally, the Extra Wide Bottom Mount Freezer supports the energy saving mode in SmartThings Energy⁶ which can reduce energy use by up to 15%.⁷ The SmartThings AI Energy Mode also allows users to easily check daily, weekly and monthly power consumption, and it even estimates monthly electric bills. If usage exceeds the established estimate, the mode can also proactively save energy.⁸ Furthermore, it can optimize the compressor speed and defrost cycle frequency, based on usage and surroundings, ensuring that users can enjoy fresher food items for longer.

Samsung also made the model to be competitive both in capacity and design as well. To enhance the capacity benefits of having a refrigerator with a wider width than common type, Samsung applies SpaceMax technology which has been the heritage of Samsung refrigerator. The fridge makes use of thin walls and efficient insulation to increase the storage volume while maintaining consistent temperatures. The extra storage space does not impact the exterior of the refrigerator, either, as the relatively compact size creates more room in users’ homes.

Apart from its performance and storage capabilities, the refrigerator brings a sleek design that makes it a great aesthetic fit for modern homes. It boasts a fully flat door and a recessed handle that grants the refrigerator a harmonious aesthetic. The Gentle Lighting controls brightness and prevents glare as well.

Availability

The energy-efficient Extra Wide Bottom Mount Freezer will be available in three capacity variants (538L, 508L and 458L) depending on the region, launching in Europe, CIS, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Canada and Africa.

The refrigerator is expected to be available from April in Europe and other regions sequentially.

For more information on Samsung refrigerators and other home appliances please visit Samsung.com.

¹ Stands for a large capacity bottom mount freezer (“BMF”) refrigerator with a width of 70cm or more. Referred to as Extra Wide Fridge Freezer in Europe.
² Compared to RL435EFBAS8/EF model.
³ Wi-Fi connection and SmartThings app required to enable AI Energy mode.
⁴ Based on internal testing compared to conventional S3 Samsung compressors.
⁵ Based on internal testing, in accordance with the IEC 60704.
⁶ Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
⁷ The test results are based on a comparison of the factory setting temperature when using AI Energy mode and without using AI Energy mode. Results may vary depending on the usage conditions and patterns.
⁸ SmartThings will display a notification before activating the saving algorithm in both ‘Maximum mode’ and ‘Custom mode.’

Samsung Electronics today announced it has teamed up with British Gas, enabling customers to better manage their energy use in homes around Britain. This new initiative — an expansion of SmartThings Energy to integrate British Gas’ PeakSave incentive program — provides users to make their home more energy-efficient with less intervention.

“As one of the U.K.’s most trusted brands, British Gas is the perfect fit for us as an innovative technology business,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “Together we are now able to harness SmartThings Energy to provide customers with easier control into optimizing their daily routines and energy use.”

British Gas is the U.K.’s leading supplier of energy and home services, and it has been providing these services to Britain’s homes for over 200 years — having launched in 1812 as the world’s first utility company. In addition to supplying energy to 10 million UK homes and businesses, it is also focused on getting the U.K. to net zero by 2050 through helping customers to reduce their homes’ carbon footprints with a range of energy-efficient home improvements.

One of the core outcomes of the collaborative relationship is the integration of SmartThings Energy’s Auto Demand Response (Auto DR) feature with British Gas’ PeakSave in Great Britain starting from today. PeakSave rewards British Gas customers for shifting their electricity usage during peak hours when demand for electricity is high. Customers can easily take advantage of the program through SmartThings Energy’s support for Auto DR, which automatically adjusts appliances’ operating modes when an event is triggered. Customers can then earn money for using less electricity during the events.

There are a few different methods for activating SmartThings Energy’s Auto DR feature depending on the type of appliance. First, it can automatically turn on the AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy to save extra energy use in the supported appliances.¹ Second, with the power-off function, users can consume less energy from having their appliances turned off when appropriate — this includes certain third-party lights and plugs.² Finally, savings can also be achieved through smart temperature adjustment for EHS (Heatpump) products and third-party thermostats.³ SmartThings Energy even helps users who do not own Auto DR-compatible appliances by sending alerts in the application when a peak event is triggered enabling users to take action in their own ways to save energy when notified.

In addition to Great Britain, Samsung has already rolled out its DR service in a number of other regions — including Seoul, California and New York in 2023. Samsung plans to explore further collaborations and continue to provide multi-faceted programs that contribute towards the Net Zero Home, as it looks to expand the service across the world. Recent achievements along these lines include the energy-efficient residential community in Brobyholm, Sweden announced in November 2023, as well as the Southern Company project unveiled at CES® 2024.

To learn more about SmartThings Energy, visit https://www.smartthings.com/smartthings-energy.

About British Gas
British Gas  is Britain’s leading supplier of energy and services and the country’s biggest retailer of zero carbon electricity. It is part of Centrica, a company founded on a 200-year heritage of serving people. It provides energy, products and services to over 10 million U.K. homes and businesses, supported by around 7,500 highly trained engineers and technicians. It also offers a range of innovative products and services, including Hive and the on-demand digital trades service, Local Heroes. Its purpose of helping customers live sustainably, simply and affordably drives its strategy and its People and Planet Plan.

¹ Currently supported by nine Samsung appliance categories including refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, hoods and TVs. Selected models only.
² Currently supported by four Samsung appliance categories including air conditioners, air purifiers, hoods and TVs. Selected models only. Supported third-party devices are only selected plugs, lights and switches.
³ Currently supported by Samsung Eco Heating Systems and EPA E/Star-certified thermostats. Selected models only. Support is currently only provided in the U.S. and E.U.

One of the company’s most recent projects¹ includes the Brobyholm smart city near Stockholm, Sweden — in which Samsung is joining hands with industry leaders to create a smart, energy-efficient residential community based on energy independence.

▲ Samsung is providing Net Zero Home solutions to the Brobyholm smart city in Sweden. The goal is to build a 2,000-home smart city near the Stockholm area, with approximately 500 homes set to be available in 2025 and sold sequentially until 2028.

Generating and Storing Energy From Dawn to Dusk

As soon as the sun rises in the morning, an energy-efficient home begins producing and storing energy using advanced solar panels and storage batteries. On clear, sunny days, the smart home system switches on the air conditioning or heating in advance — to save energy later on in the day, once the sun sets or the weather becomes overcast.

Using Samsung’s integrated and expansive multi-device ecosystem SmartThings, users can seamlessly control their home appliances and smart home devices. AI Energy Mode on SmartThings Energy helps users effortlessly save energy throughout their home by automatically optimizing energy usage of appliances.

▲ SmartThings Energy gives users the ability to easily monitor their home’s energy production, storage and usage.

Smart Energy Management Away From Home

Homeowners no longer have to worry about leaving their pets home alone on hot summer days. SmartThings will automatically turn on the air conditioner and lower the blinds to keep indoor temperatures cool and prevent strong sunlight from entering the house — allowing furry friends to stay comfortable inside. Additionally, home sensors can detect if a window is left open and alert users accordingly to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

Before leaving their home, users can preload their laundry into the washer and set it to run later. After the start button is pressed, SmartThings will determine when energy usage is lowest² in the day and automatically start the cycle. As such, users can manage their energy usage even when they’re not at home.

▲ SmartThings Energy enables smarter, more efficient energy usage by taking into account various factors such as energy production, outside temperatures, peak energy usage times and more.

Wind Down With SmartThings

After returning home from a long day, SmartThings Cooking allows users to easily prepare meals by sending a recipe’s cooking settings straight to the oven. When tidying up after dinner, SmartThings will automatically start the dishwashing cycle at off-peak hours² to help cut costs. Before settling down for the night, users can enjoy a warm shower using pre-heated water from the morning’s surplus energy while SmartThings’ Bedtime Routine automatically adjusts the lights and home appliance settings to create an optimal environment for a restful night of sleep.

▲ SmartThings allows users to control their home appliance and smart home devices while SmartThings Energy provides users with insights into their home’s energy production and consumption.

With SmartThings Energy, users can view how much energy their home produces and uses as well as other in-depth energy analytics. From laundry to cooking, SmartThings encourages users to complete their household chores using the energy produced by their homes. Samsung is making homes smarter with SmartThings and empowering users to take steps to create their own Net Zero Home.

¹ Some of the features depicted in the video will be implemented in 2024.
² The function to run appliances at off-peak times will be supported through an update in the first half of 2024 for the U.S. and major European countries including the U.K., France and Germany.

“Tesla Energy’s customers can now manage and monitor the power status of their homes through SmartThings Energy and Samsung devices in addition to the Tesla app, ensuring more access and connectivity,” said Chanwoo Park, EVP and Head of IoT Development Team of Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “This new collaboration is a key milestone for Samsung Electronics in making our solution more widely available beyond home appliances.”

The key consumer benefit of Samsung’s collaboration with Tesla allows SmartThings Energy to connect to Tesla Powerwall, Solar Inverter, Wall Connector charging and EVs, allowing SmartThings Energy to display information relating to users’ energy production, storage and usage.

Additionally, consumers will be able to better prepare for power disruptions and outages through SmartThings Energy’s ability to sync with the Tesla app’s Powerwall “Storm Watch” function. This means that in the case of extreme weather events such as typhoons or heavy snowfall, users can be alerted through SmartThings on their connected Samsung TVs and mobiles in addition to the Tesla app. What’s more, they can activate AI Energy Mode before and during power outages to extend the remaining backup energy stored in Tesla Powerwall.

▲ Simulated image (for demonstration purposes only) of SmartThings app alerting Tesla Powerwall status and AI Energy Mode activation with photo of Tesla products that are available to connect to Samsung SmartThings Energy

Samsung’s utilization of the Tesla API is part of its continual drive toward making substantial progress on the Net Zero Home project and enhancing the multi-device experience of SmartThings users.

“At Tesla we are excited to add capability to our products to interact with other intelligent devices and software in customers’ homes. We recently published FleetAPI, allowing developers to interact with Powerwall, Solar and Wall Connector in addition to our vehicles. We are pleased that Samsung has chosen to be an early developer, given its leading position in consumer smart home technology. Customers will be able to view the status of their grid connectivity across multiple devices and intelligently control home loads to extend their Powerwall energy when off grid,” said Drew Baglino at Tesla.

SmartThings Energy connected to Tesla Powerwall will be first shown at the Samsung booth at CES® 2024. The actual service is currently in development and is targeted to launch in the second quarter of 2024.² Please note that the features described above are subject to change.

About Tesla, Inc.
Tesla are Accelerating the World’s Transition to Sustainable Energy by building a world powered by solar energy, running on batteries and transported by electric vehicles. We design sustainable systems that are massively scalable — resulting in the greatest environmental benefit possible. Our energy generation and storage products work together with our electric vehicles to amplify their impact. www.tesla.com

¹ An application programming interface (API) is a software intermediary that enables two different applications to integrate with each other.
² Service limited to countries where Tesla Powerwall is sold and SmartThings Energy is available.

Samsung Electronics today announced its showcase of a model home with a Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS), supported by SmartThings Energy, in Brobyholm, a smart and energy efficient residential community development near Stockholm, Sweden.

Samsung takes a part in this project with a smart homes innovator ABB, solar technology company SMA and a real estate company S. Property. Samsung will not only supply its appliances in Brobyholm residents, but also provide its unique solution, SmartThings Energy for users to control their energy use in consolidated way.

“We are excited to present this smart community to the public,” said Chan Woo Park, Executive Vice President and Head of the Service Biz Group of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our goal is to create seamless connectivity that helps consumers easily manage their homes and save energy at the same time.”

Samsung will supply its appliances — including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers — that will all sync to SmartThings Energy to control, monitor and save energy. Together with photovoltaics (PV) energy production & energy storage system (ESS) which is currently under development by real estate company S. Property Group, each home will aim to maximize energy efficiency.

Furthermore, building on its partnership with ABB in 2022, Samsung will integrate SmartThings Energy with ABB’s automation solution, ABB-free@home^®. As a result, homes in Brobyholm will be capable of connecting appliances and devices to a centralized system that automatically saves energy, time and cost. And with just a few simple clicks on the SmartThings mobile application, homeowners will have access and control over the energy consumption within their homes.

The smart home opened as a model home for visitors and future residents of Brobyholm starting on November 9. Upon completion of the first 500 homes in 2025, more smart and energy efficient homes are expected to fill up the development. S. Property Group plans to expand them at Brobyholm by up to 2000 homes by 2028.

Samsung has worked to develop Net Zero environments and the effort was recently showcased as an interactive experience at IFA 2023. Moving forward, Samsung plans to create additional turnkey smart home solutions with the goal of applying and expanding them in countries around the world.

At-Home Life Made Easy With Smart Home Appliances

Household chores can be annoying for anyone — even for a football star like Son. With this in mind, Samsung has optimized its home appliances to make cleaning a breeze, allowing consumers to spend less time tidying and more time relaxing.

Before going on a grocery run or preparing a meal, Samsung’s View Inside¹ feature allows users to plan ahead by checking what’s inside their fridge via the Family Hub screen or remotely through the SmartThings app.² On laundry day, Bespoke AI Washers offer AI Wash Cycle — a smart feature that actively detects load weight, soil level, fabric softness and other factors for perfectly clean clothes every time.³

Additionally, Son demonstrates how easy it is to vacuum with the Bespoke Jet AI, equipped with AI Cleaning Mode that provides powerful, optimized cleaning based on cleaning environments,⁴ floor type, for example.

Smart Energy Savings With AI Energy Mode

As more people prioritize an eco-conscious lifestyle, consumers are seeking new ways to be conscious of their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint. Through SmartThings, users like Son can easily reduce their energy consumption and monitor their homes’ energy usage in real time.

AI Energy Mode⁵ in SmartThings Energy is a power-saving feature that maximizes energy efficiency when used with select products and cycles such as the Bespoke AI Washer and Dryer, Bespoke refrigerator and WindFree air conditioner — with up to 70%,⁶ 20%,⁷ 15%⁸ and 20%⁹ energy savings in Europe, respectively.¹⁰

Routines To Match Everyday Life

Users can control their home environments using SmartThings Routines before heading out. With the SmartThings Routines feature, they can preset appliances to be automatically turned on or off during specific times of the day or when certain conditions are met. Son shows how SmartThings switches off the lights and appliances and automatically turns on the Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum cleaner when he leaves to go out.

Check out the video below to view how Samsung’s home appliances and SmartThings help Son enjoy his home.

¹ Only available on certain Family Hub models.
² Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
³ Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
⁴ The ability to identify different cleaning environments can be affected by environmental conditions.
⁵ Available through the SmartThings app on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
⁶ Based on internal testing on the WW11BB944AGB model in normal usage conditions. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.539 KWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 0.145 KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. Tested with 5kg load on Cotton cycle.
⁷ Based on internal testing using the SuperSpeed course on DV90BB9445GH to dry a 5kg load. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.9520kWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 0.7195kWh. Results may vary depending on actual usage conditions.
⁸ Available on specific models from May 2023 through a Wi-Fi update. The test results are based on a comparison of the factory setting temperature when using AI Energy mode and without using AI Energy mode. Results may vary depending on the usage conditions and patterns.
⁹ Requires the use of the SmartThings app and a Samsung account. Actual savings may vary by usage patterns and environment. Savings realized in comparison to AI Auto mode, by adjusting the compressor speed and the target cooling/heating setpoint up to +2°/-2°C. Setpoint adjustment by user will exit the AI Energy mode.
¹⁰ Actual savings may vary depending on the usage patterns and environment.

To energize the concept of a carbon-neutral home, Samsung Electronics built a one-person household outside the IFA 2023 venue, held from September 1 to 5 in Berlin, Germany. Demonstrating how a home can generate and store its own energy, the Net Zero Home project highlighted features of SmartThings Energy and sparked enthusiasm for a more attainable eco-conscious lifestyle.

▲ Samsung built the Net Zero Home project near CityCube, the IFA 2023 venue in Berlin, Germany.

Building the Future of Smart Home Technology Together

To create a home that generates and stores energy using solar panels and batteries, Samsung partnered with global experts in energy, utilities and IT — including solar panel and battery manufacturers Hanwha Qcells, SMA and Maxeon, and smart home innovator ABB.

Through these collaborations, SmartThings Energy can efficiently monitor and manage everything from solar energy production to the energy consumption of home appliances or electric vehicle chargers.

▲ Energy is produced via Hanwha Qcells’ solar panels that have been installed on the roof of the Net Zero Home project.

▲ Various partner solutions — such as Hanwha Qcells’ solar panels; SMA’s home-use photovoltaic inverter, battery and electric vehicle charger; and ABB’s smart meter — have been seamlessly integrated into the SmartThings system. In addition, visitors can take note of Samsung’s Air to Water Heating Systems (EHS), highly efficient integrated heat pump solutions for heating and cooling currently available in the European market.

Energy Monitoring and Efficiency at Your Fingertips

With AI Energy Mode, SmartThings Energy makes it easy to save energy by reducing the energy consumption of users’ home appliances and predicting their monthly energy usage. Before reaching target energy limits, SmartThings Energy will automatically activate AI Energy Mode to run appliances on power-efficient algorithms.

▲ The smart TV, dishwasher, oven, air conditioner and Family Hub refrigerator installed in the Net Zero Home project can be monitored through SmartThings Energy. Energy usage can be significantly reduced with AI Energy Mode.

Using SmartThings’ Routines, users can effortlessly reduce energy waste in their daily lives. With a single press of a button, home appliances and lights can be turned off when leaving the house — so there’s no need to worry about forgetting about the lights in the bedroom or the air conditioner.

Users can also use Routines to create a Sunshine Mode for example, activating the air conditioner to keep the home cool on hot, sunny days when solar panels are generating plenty of power. Compatible blinds can also be set to be automatically lowered to prevent excess sunlight from coming through the windows and heating up the house, ensuring the air conditioner works more efficiently.

▲ Demonstration of ‘Sunshine Mode’ made with SmartThings Routines, where the solar panel, air conditioner, and blind automatically work together to efficiently keep the house cool on hot sunny days

Connecting People and Technology in Everyday Life

SmartThings offers homeowners peace of mind — allowing them to see who’s at the door in real time via their smart TV, manage food inventory through the Family Hub refrigerator touchscreen or view and control all their connected devices from the SmartThings app.

The Net Zero Home project, powered by SmartThings, is becoming a reality around the world. Samsung is collaborating with partners on several Net Zero Home projects — including the S. Property Group’s smart urban infrastructure development in Brobyholm, Sweden; the Eco Delta City in Busan, Korea; and the Smart City Project in Sterling Ranch, Colorado, U.S.

SmartThings Energy’s device connectivity is bridging the gap between the present and future, making sustainability possible for everyone. Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom to learn more about how the features in the Net Zero Home project, highlighted at IFA 2023, will become a part of everyday lives.

Q. What motivated you to participate in the Samsung SmartThings campaign?

When the Galaxy Z Flip was first released, I remember being impressed by its design — which led me to buy a Galaxy smartphone right away and switch both my tablet and watch to Galaxy devices. As a Galaxy fan, I love how my Galaxy products are all connected, allowing me to do things like check workout progress or calories burned on my phone or tablet while I’m exercising. Naturally, I was excited when Samsung approached me to participate in this campaign.

Q. What is the best thing about using SmartThings?

SmartThings has become a feature I really need. Once set up, the platform manages everything and gives me time and energy to focus on other stuff. The ability to find compatible products nearby and automatically pair them is so easy to do. It allows me to be much more efficient and productive.

Q. Have you been using SmartThings since the shoot?

Absolutely! I actually recently switched my TV and vacuum cleaner to Samsung’s latest appliances. Since my family is quite serious when it comes to cleaning, I can easily keep track of the areas I last cleaned with SmartThings — helping me keep my place tidy on my days off.

Q. What was your favorite scene in this shoot?

If I had to choose just one feature, my favorite would be the gaming scene since I love playing video games. In the video, once I place my phone on the wireless charger and SmartThings automatically creates the perfect gaming environment. And there’s even lighting synced to the gaming screen via Hue Sync, so I really like to play games.

That’s when you will discover SmartThings takes gaming to another level. If you like playing video games, I strongly recommend using Gaming Mode on SmartThings for an all-new gaming experience.

Q. What are some specific SmartThings features you would like to highlight?

SmartThings helps me reduce energy consumption and control energy usage across all my products in real time. I’m able to view energy usage and maximize energy efficiency with AI Energy Mode to be more conscious about energy saving.

In addition, I like how SmartThings allows me to expand the ways I use my TV. Before the shoot, I only played video games and watched football on my TV. Now, after learning about SmartThings and its functions, I use my TV to control home appliances, chat with friends while watching football and keep track of my workout progress while exercising. I hope more people are able to make use of these innovative features.

Q. Is there anything you want to share about your experience on this campaign?

Through this campaign, I was able to experience how SmartThings can program my home appliances based on my daily routine. SmartThings goes beyond convenience — it delivers a whole new experience.

For those who haven’t experienced SmartThings yet, I encourage you to try it out! I look forward to getting involved with other Samsung campaigns and seeing the future of SmartThings!

Find out more about Son’s smart life by watching the full video below.

Samsung’s partnership with SMA enables users to access SMA’s various products and Home Energy solutions with SmartThings Energy. Samsung’s heat pumps can also now talk to SMA’s solutions. With the ABB partnership, users can leverage ABB’s various home automation solutions with SmartThings. Samsung’s various connected products will also be available for ABBs Smart Buildings.

With SMA’s Jan Van Laethem and ABB’s Lucy Han both participating in IFA as Net Zero Home project spokespersons, Samsung sat down with them to discuss their work on the project, their companies’ respective partnerships with Samsung and their visions for the future of sustainable smart home solutions.

▲ SMA’s Jan Van Laethem and ABB’s Lucy Han both spoke at Samsung Electronics’ Press Conference at IFA 2023

Q. Could you please give us a brief introduction to yourself and your work?

Van Laethem: As EVP of Segment Home Solutions, I’m responsible for all global residential solutions, systems and devices. SMA is the leading specialist in photovoltaic (PV) and storage system technology and we endeavor to set the standards for tomorrow’s renewable energy supply. Our portfolio scope ranges from efficient PV and battery inverters up to holistic system solutions for PV, battery storage, EV charging and HVAC systems of all power classes. With over 40 years of experience – which began at our center in Germany — the teams at SMA are working to shape the path to a climate friendly future.

Han: I am Executive Vice President for Building and Home Automation Solutions at ABB. Our ABB Smart Buildings enhance people’s quality of life by equipping the buildings of the future with products, solutions and services that drive energy efficiency and sustainability. We leverage innovation and digital technologies to enable safe and reliable energy distribution and smarter, more sustainable buildings. Whether it’s new or existing single-family homes, multi-dwellings or commercial and industrial buildings, we are driven by a spirit of partnership and collaboration, supported by a reputation for open and scalable digital solutions and intelligent technologies.

▲ SMA’s Jan Van Laethem and ABB’s Lucy Han pose at Samsung Electronics’ booth at IFA 2023

Q. Why did you choose to partner with Samsung for the Net Zero Home project? How does the partnership align with your company goals?

Van Laethem: Both SMA and Samsung share the same mission: To make people the focus of our business goals. SMA wants to empower its customers to create a sustainable future in their own lives, and partnerships with companies like Samsung are crucial in realizing this, because device compatibility is essential in making it happen.

Han: Teaming up with a major tech innovator like Samsung Electronics strengthens ABB’s mission to connect entire buildings with open and adaptable solutions. Partnerships like this also provide insights into total energy consumption, including in areas like electric vehicle (EV) charging.

Homeowners want smart home solutions that link all the devices of the home, whether they are from Samsung, ABB or other brands. Importantly, they also want to be able to access them via one user interface. The Net Zero Home project is an important milestone because it demonstrates this user-friendly approach in action. Our work with Samsung is helping make concepts like home automation and energy optimization more tangible to customers by showing them working seamlessly in familiar environments. Once fully realized, these concepts will constitute a significant step towards a more sustainable world.

Q. How would you describe the Net Zero Home project for customers? Does it let them participate in energy management themselves?

Han: Imagine homes where devices and appliances are all connected through one centralized system, a system that saves you money, time and energy. By connecting the Samsung SmartThings app with ABB home automation solutions, for instance, you can monitor and control everything — from washing machines to energy and security systems — using just one app across your devices. Through the energy they save and the carbon emissions they cut, smarter homes are a win-win for both you and the planet.

Van Laethem: The Net Zero Home project can take care of customers’ energy management for them, but it also lets them customize the system to meet their individual needs. The project offers different solutions for different individuals, from solar beginners to advanced users who want to participate more directly in managing their energy.

▲ At IFA 2023, Samsung invited attendees to explore its Net Zero Home project at Tiny House, just outside City Cube Berlin. The exhibition showcased how, with the SmartThings Energy service at its core, Samsung is developing this new holistic, efficient and intelligent household energy experience.

Q. What are your hopes and expectations for Net Zero Home use around the world? What are the factors that play into its wider adoption?

Van Laethem: SMA’s goal is to supply as many households as possible with clean energy and thus reduce CO2 emissions worldwide, and the Net Zero Home project is a great opportunity to make our energy solutions more widely available.

All around the world, energy costs are rising. Customers are starting to realize the value of independence from fossil energy imports and want to cut down their personal CO2 emissions. These factors are laying the groundwork for broader Net Zero Home adoption, and its success would mean more energy security, more freedom and a healthier planet.

Han: Global Net Zero Home adoption would mean more homes that don’t mess with the planet. That’s what this project is all about. Net Zero Homes are like climate superheroes, fighting carbon and climate change day in, day out. My personal vision for Net Zero Homes is for them to make a real difference in addressing the climate crisis.

Our overarching goal is to lead the way with today’s technologies to fix tomorrow’s issues. To make Net Zero Homes successful, however, we also need to keep things simple. That means open communication protocols, interoperable devices and creating a common language for the household ecosystem.

Q. To what extent is the Net Zero Home project responding to the current state of home energy?

Han: When it comes to the future of connected living and city planning, the pandemic condensed decades of social and behavioral change into the space of just a few months.

Now, we’re looking at a whole new landscape. Concepts like “smart cities” are evolving into a focus on “smart communities.” We used to think of smart technology in terms of individual homes, but now adoption among multi-dwelling, multi-villa and tower developments is gathering pace too.

To accelerate the transition to Net Zero we need to consider issues like industry standardization and regulatory certainty, the accessibility of technology, innovation, financing and industry skills. These are all areas that efforts like the Net Zero Home project help flesh out in real time.

▲ SMA’s Jan Van Laethem and ABB’s Lucy Han at Samsung Electronics’ Press Conference at IFA 2023. Samsung is working with various partners, including SMA and ABB, to help make the home of the future a reality

Q. What does the future hold for SMA and ABB’s work with Samsung?

Van Laethem: SMA and Samsung are continuing to work together on holistic solutions that bring together the worlds of smart homes and home energy management. We look forward to sharing more plans and projects down the line.

Han: ABB and Samsung are currently working on the next iteration of products and solutions that tackle modern energy demands. Able to integrate with third party companies and domestic appliances, this solution will harmonize smart home systems, energy management processes and EV charging controls. Built into our existing smart home ecosystem, it interacts with heat pumps, rooftop solar PV systems and EVs.

This kind of visualized intelligence at users’ fingertips was, until now, the preserve of commercial buildings. Not only do our new solutions empower homeowners to better manage their immediate energy bills, but they will also help them to optimize their consumption habits over the long term. We are proud of our achievements alongside Samsung in the Net Zero Home project, and I am hopeful of further successes to come.

A Galaxy brand ambassador since the Unpacked event in July 2023, Son has partnered with Samsung on the new SmartThings campaign. With a focus on Son’s perspective, the campaign focuses particularly on entertainment, health and saving energy, all of which are areas of high interest among customers globally. The video, which showcases Son living an upgraded daily lifestyle in a series of interviews throughout, will be released through Samsung’s global social channels. All the devices in the video are seamlessly connected within the SmartThings ecosystem. The devices included are not only conventional home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and refrigerators, but also an array of other devices like speakers and lights.

An Energy-Saving Routine, Thanks to SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Routines

Energy conservation is front and center in the video, as it is showcased through the use of key features of the SmartThings app, such as the SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Routines.

SmartThings Energy allows real-time monitoring of energy consumption from various devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs. It activates AI Energy Mode¹ before usage reaches higher pricing tiers, which effectively reduces electricity expenses.

With the SmartThings Routines feature, users automatically control household appliances based on specified times and conditions. Son demonstrates this in the campaign video with the “Going Out Routine,” which automatically turns appliances off when he leaves his house. Thanks to this function, Son can pay more attention to other things to do before going out while also reducing unnecessary energy consumption, which leads to a more efficient daily routine.

Harmonize Leisure Time With Music Sync and Hue Sync

Apart from functions that save energy, SmartThings boasts features that enhance leisure time at home. Music Sync² creates a dynamic home atmosphere by synchronizing lighting connected to SmartThings with music played on a Galaxy device. Hue Sync³ performs a similar function but with Samsung smart TVs, offering users an immersive viewing experience as they enjoy their favorite movies, live events or video games, etc.

In the video, Son makes use of these features through adaptive lighting, which sets a relaxed mood for him at home. Also featured is Gaming Mode, which Son uses to immerse himself in his favorite video games by syncing the color and movement of his home lighting with on-screen action.

Monitoring Health With the Galaxy Watch

The Galaxy Watch can provide users with real-time workout data, such as heart rate, calories burned and exercise duration. With SmartThings, Son is able to get the best use out of this feature by simultaneously doing core exercises and watching a football match on TV. While watching the match, he can see the data from his workout on his TV screen.⁴ This innovative integration enables individuals to exercise effectively while watching TV.

Commenting on his participation in the campaign, Son said, “The system operates automatically, which makes the experience very simple. Through SmartThings, I’ve found myself enjoying my time at home more while saving energy. It’s easy!”

“Everyday SmartThings with Son” can be found at Samsung’s official YouTube and Instagram channels.

¹ Available only for models that support AI Energy Mode. Prior to use, SmartThings Energy Service in the SmartThings app needs to be installed.
² Compatible lighting must be purchased separately and connected to the SmartThings app.
³ Compatible lighting must be purchased separately; paid subscription of the Hue Sync app is required through Samsung TV app.
⁴ Available from 2024; availability and the timing of support may vary by country and region.

Integrating with SolarEdge Home, SolarEdge’s smart energy ecosystem, SmartThings Energy offers users new ways to optimize energy consumption and lower their home’s energy bills. It provides one-stop support, from monitoring a household’s photovoltaic (PV) generation and battery status at a glance to optimize energy consumption and save energy with its AI Energy Mode. The SolarEdge ecosystem has expanded to include Samsung’s wide range of smart energy technologies, including heat pumps to power more devices with clean solar energy, together providing visibility on appliances’ impact on household energy consumption.

Samsung has now created a base for business expansion through this partnership with SolarEdge, a company specializing in smart inverters that convert sunlight into electrical energy. SolarEdge’s innovative energy optimization system uses data-driven automation to make hundreds of optimal energy decisions every day based on smart predictions of solar production, energy consumption patterns, battery status and utility rates.

“The solutions we’ve developed with our key partners underline our commitment to creating a brighter future with solar power,” said Chan-woo Park, Executive Vice President of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to demonstrate how expanding our net zero home solution and SmartThings Energy service will make it easier for consumers to become energy independent, save money and contribute to creating a healthier planet.”

“Samsung is a strategic partner, and we are excited to further expand the SolarEdge Home offering and provide our customers with an expanded suite of possible smart energy appliances,” said Ido Ginodi, VP of Global Product at SolarEdge. “As part of an end-to-end smart energy ecosystem, our smart SolarEdge ONE optimization system will help optimize home energy consumption and lower homeowner energy bills.”

SmartThings Energy will also provide periodic information on carbon intensity as one of its new features, starting at the end of June. Carbon intensity refers to the carbon emissions generated by consuming one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, and consumers can experience the reduction in carbon emissions through product-specific carbon emission forecasts and participate by choosing relatively low carbon intensity time periods.

In addition, Samsung will expand its Demand Response (DR) service globally starting in the U.S., following its successful introduction in Korea. Backed by local governments, the service provides financial incentives such as cash rewards and credits to consumers if they voluntarily reduce energy use during peak hours of power usage.

Since March, Samsung has been operating DR in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Electric Power Corporation. Starting at the end of June, Samsung plans to test run DR in California and New York.

Samsung’s collaboration with SolarEdge is not the first of its kind. It has a history of joining hands with a variety of solar energy companies, like Qcells in 2021, and also with SMA Solar Technology and Maxeon Solar Technology.

Samsung will display its innovative, energy-saving solutions at Intersolar Europe 2023 together with its various global partners. The event, Europe’s largest energy exhibition, will take place in Munich, Germany from June 14 to 16.

Samsung’s SmartThings Energy service comes with a range of intelligent features and activations that help users practice everyday sustainability through the monitoring and reduction of their smart home’s energy usage.

However, Samsung is aiming to take the SmartThings Energy offering to the next level by having it be at the core of the Net Zero Home, wherein all a household’s energy consumption is managed with energy generated within the home itself. In order to further this mission, Samsung is working with Siemens on their Smart City housing project in Sterling Ranch, Colorado, U.S.A. to help realize the sustainable housing community using the connectivity of the SmartThings platform.

From at-home energy production and storage to real-time monitoring and AI-powered energy management, the Smart City Project featuring the SmartThings Energy service is set to allow its users to live more eco-conscious lives. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more.

Samsung Electronics held its annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) today in San Francisco, bringing together developers, creators and designers to explore seamless, connected experiences powered by Samsung.

During the event, Samsung shared more about its commitment to creating simplified, game-changing customer experiences, including the company’s updated vision for SmartThings as it evolves from a connectivity platform to an enabler of smarter lifestyles. From deeper integration with Bixby to seamless connectivity with Matter-compatible devices, SmartThings is creating a richer, more open world that empowers all users to streamline their connections and their daily lives.

“At Samsung, we continuously innovate our devices, platforms and services to be simpler and more convenient. I am proud to share the next generation of our work, like SmartThings, to further our collaboration with partners and developers,” said Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “As technologies become more complex, we will always search for ways to make life easier, more connected, and more flexible, so our consumers can focus on what matters most.”

Connecting Platforms and Devices With Calm Technology

Samsung’s vision of seamless connectivity is inspired by the philosophy of Calm Technology — where devices instantly work together, so consumers can save time on setup and get right into the experience. To realize this vision, Samsung reimagined SmartThings and its connected services and partnerships, including Samsung’s Hub Everywhere, extending its capabilities to the entire smart home with audio and visual data as well as SmartThings Energy, SmartThings Pet and SmartThings Cooking. Samsung also partnered with Philips Hue to integrate Philips Hue Sync right into Galaxy devices so smart home lighting can match with music.

The seamless experience will extend beyond Samsung’s ecosystem through SmartThings’ integration with Matter and Samsung’s membership in the Home Connectivity Alliance. Google and Samsung have worked together to enable users to find and link their devices across platforms by building multi-admin feature on Matter devices. The collaboration will bring more devices and users into the connected home in the future.

Bixby has been integrated more deeply with SmartThings, a tool for developers to build more intelligent voice user interface experiences. As Samsung’s representative voice assistant platform, Bixby has evolved to become the on-device AI solution able to control individual Galaxy devices, as well as the cross-device experience throughout the Samsung ecosystem. With the new Bixby Home Studio, developers can now build differentiated, customized experiences for the SmartThings platform. In addition, Bixby will be even more widely available to users with support for Latin American Spanish, starting in November.

As the smart home is becoming more advanced, Samsung is introducing a new security paradigm, enabling Samsung devices to protect each other. Samsung Knox Matrix¹ is a private blockchain based platform that turns eligible Samsung devices into a shield to protect users’ entire device ecosystem — from Galaxy devices to TVs and home appliances. Plus, users can customize personal privacy settings with the new Security and privacy dashboard, which scans for vulnerabilities, recommends security updates and gives users data management options to keep privacy and security top of mind.

Personalized Services for Better Experiences

In the past year, Samsung TV Plus — Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming TV and video (FAST) platform available on Samsung Smart TVs² and mobile devices — reached 100% growth in viewership,³ and projects three billion hours streamed by the end of the year. To build on this momentum, Samsung TV Plus has expanded its offering by adding partnerships with Lionsgate and Vice Media, providing 8K video on demand. Samsung TV Plus has also gone through a redesign, to reflect its extraordinary variety of content with more than 1,600 channels across 24 countries. Samsung TV Plus is the premium choice for a seamless ad experience, where stream stitching makes ad playback simpler than ever.

After 10 years of service, Samsung’s Tizen operating system (OS) continues to offer best-in-class user experiences. The Samsung Gaming Hub brings better, faster and more convenient access to gaming on Samsung Smart TVs, provided by industry-leading partners, such as Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Utomik and Amazon Luna. Samsung Gaming Hub bridges expertise in hardware and software to integrate features like AI Upscaling and multitask functions to make gaming on Samsung Smart TVs an immersive, optimized experience.

Tizen OS is also expanding to offer NFTs support with partners like Art Token, laCollection and Nifty Gateway. For B2B customers and developers, Samsung is providing B2B APIs specific to industries and use cases like Syncplay, which allows content to be synchronized and played in multiple signages. Tizen is also introducing SALT, a new content conversion solution to display the highest-quality HDR10+ content on supported TVs.

Your Galaxy, Your Way With One UI 5

By introducing the new One UI 5, Samsung has empowered users to easily customize their device’s look and feel, while enhancing productivity and providing amazing experiences across devices and platforms. One UI 5 brings more personalized experiences with custom-built Modes and Routines, and a Dynamic Lock screen that displays multiple visuals on your phone, your Galaxy Watch and other One UI 5 devices. With the new Bixby Text Call feature, Bixby Voice will answer calls on your behalf and share typed messages with the caller, speaking aloud as if you had answered. One UI 5 also introduces new daily health solutions to help track health and wellness in one place. This includes the Samsung Privileged Health SDK, which enables developers to build apps that leverage the BioActive Sensor on the Galaxy Watch.⁴

Future-Forward Investment and Research

Samsung Research is looking beyond today’s horizon to innovate for a better tomorrow, full of relentless innovation and open collaboration. Samsung Research is making its robot arm manipulation code available on GitHub, enabling academics, researchers and developers to examine new ideas in robotic manipulation.

The team at Samsung Research was also inspired by the new wellness features Samsung has introduced, particularly on the Galaxy Watch5. To find new use-cases leveraging these features, Samsung Research is working with universities and healthcare institutions that will explore areas like heart health, stress, blood pressure, lung health and neuroscience. As a result, Samsung is offering a full stack SDK — the Samsung Health Stack — which will jumpstart research into important health fields and spark new development.

Samsung invites developers, creators, partners and more to join in on its commitment to open collaboration and seamless experiences. For more information about the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2022, please visit developer.samsung.com.

¹ Starting as early as late 2023, Samsung Knox Matrix will be initially available on selected Samsung devices. Support for other manufacturers’ products will follow later.

² Samsung TV Plus is available for selected Samsung Smart TVs only.

³  Viewership from September 2021 to August 2022 compared to viewership from September 2020 to August 2021

⁴ Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and Galaxy Watch5 series.

AI Energy Mode, a power-saving feature from Samsung’s SmartThings Energy, is exactly this kind of solution. AI Energy Mode is powered to bring all manner of positive changes and handy solutions to the household, cutting costs and making life smoother at every turn, and its diverse features, such as AI Ecobubble, cover a broad range of household areas.

Using AI-enhanced systems to weigh laundry loads, set defrosting cycles and estimate electricity bills, AI Energy Mode intelligently keeps track of all kinds of variables. When a refrigerator door is opened or a room’s temperature dips, SmartThings’ algorithm takes notice and responds, building a bigger picture of household usage patterns and passing the savings on to users.

Impressive savings in energy and cost have been recorded across the board, taking stress off the consumer and the environment alike, and this is just the beginning of Samsung’s vision of truly efficient, eco-conscious homes. Samsung’s intention is to make all of its key household appliances Wi-Fi enabled and SmartThings compatible by 2023, while its Net Zero Home project, in partnership with Qcells, is aimed at creating the holistic home of the future today, with SmartThings storing and managing renewable energy from inbuilt solar panels.

* Internal testing specifications have been revised on January 31, 2023 to provide more accurate information.

“As we set our vision on becoming the No. 1 energy efficient appliance brand, we are excited to showcase the Samsung appliances and technologies that are making it possible,” said Hyesoon Yang, EVP and Head of Customer Experience of the Digital Appliances at Samsung Electronics. “Thanks to SmartThings Energy maximizing the features of Samsung appliances, users can enjoy the latest in appliance technologies while also being eco-conscious at home.”

No. 1 Energy Efficient Refrigerators Offer Advanced Cooling and Power Savings

When it comes to at-home sustainability, the kitchen is a key focus area because it houses large appliances that are perpetually running. Fresh food storage, for example, requires refrigerators to maintain continuous operation and, consequently, a consistent power draw.

Addressing this, Samsung’s refrigerators were designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint while optimizing food storage. Samsung refrigerators are rated No. 1 in energy efficiency in their category and, in fact, provide an added 10% extra savings on top the current highest energy rating standard. Also, SmartThings Energy with AI Energy Mode helps intelligently reduce energy usage for refrigerators by up to 30%.²

SpaceMax technology allows for a spacious interior in refrigerators without adding bulk externally, using advanced high-urethane insulation technologies. As a result, more food can be stored in optimal temperatures without the need for more power.

In addition, innovative technologies such as Twin Cooling Plus, CoolSelect+ Plus and Metal Cooling help quickly cool and keep temperatures matched to food types.

Twin Cooling technology optimizes and maintains refrigerator temperature and humidity in a very stable range within 0.5°C fluctuations. CoolSelect+ Plus allows for the flexibility of selecting from four different options inside compartments, ranging from freezer to cooling, meaning different foods are kept in matching condition without wasting energy lowering temperatures unnecessarily. In addition, once properly chilled, Metal Cooling helps keep the cold air inside for longer, minimizing the changes in food temperatures and ensuring that food stay fresh for longer while saving power.

Wash Clothes For Less With No. 1 Energy Savings, AI-Powered Washers

Samsung’s Bespoke AI Washers feature the latest in washing technologies providing users the quickest, most powerful laundry experience while also offering an extra 10% energy savings on top of the highest energy rating standard. Plus, thanks to AI Energy mode, the washers can cut energy usage by up to 70%³ placing them as No. 1 in energy savings in their category.

Adding to a sustainable laundry experience, SpaceMax technology provides a spacious 11-kilogram capacity so users can do larger but fewer loads of laundry, reducing the overall wash and dry cycles for a long term. SmartThings Energy with AI Energy Mode⁴ optimizes laundry cycles with technologies such as Ecobubble, which cuts energy usage by delivering powerful cleaning with cold water⁵ without having to heat water.

Furthermore, AI Washer and Dryer uses advanced sensors to detect the weight and softness of the fabric in each load. This data is then analyzed, providing washing and drying cycles that are optimized and matched to the garments’ materials, saving the user both time and energy. The feature reduces the amount of water usage by 24% and also dispenses the correct amount of detergent, using the weight of the load to calculate the optimal supply.

Improve Home Comfort While Reducing Your Carbon Footprint With Samsung’s Eco Heating System

Offering a complete sustainable home package, Samsung’s Eco Heating Systems (EHS) provides floor heating and hot water while offering an extra 10% energy savings above the current highest standard. Using a new Scroll Compressor, the EHS compresses refrigerant at a much higher pressure than traditional heating units, while Flash Injection Technology and a large heat exchange area increase the flow of heat transference.

As sustainability becomes a critical factor in our daily lives, Samsung is constantly innovating to create home appliances that can help save energy and resources at home.

For more information, please visit Samsung.com/bespoke-home and Samsung Newsroom.

¹ According to the European Energy Standard, the highest energy efficiency rating for home appliances is A for refrigerators and washing machines and A+++ for Eco Heating System.

² Reduces energy usage by up to 15%* through AI algorithm which optimizes compressor speed and defrost cycle and saves an additional 15%** by adjusting the set temperature.

* Available for specific models from Dec 2022 through Wi-Fi update. Test results derived from comparing factory setting temperature with AI Energy mode to without AI Energy mode. Results may vary depending on the usage condition and pattern.

** Refrigerator will set the temperature to Fridge 5℃, Freezer -16℃ and it may affect the preservation period of food.

³ Based on internal testing on the WW11BBA049AB model in normal usage conditions. Results: Annual power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 88.7KWh. Annual power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 31.5KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.

⁴ Can be applied when the selected washing temperature is 20 ~ 40°C.

⁵ Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

Outlining the performance of the company’s sustainability activities in 2021, this report includes major activities under its five sustainability pillars — Environment, Our Employees, Sustainable Supply Chain, Empowering Communities and Digital Responsibility. In particular, it highlights the following significant outcomes: stronger sustainability governance within the Board of Directors, expanded sustainability activities in the business units, joining the UN Global Compact and the placing of the Sustainability Council under the direct supervision of the CEO in 2022.

During 2021, Samsung Electronics put sustainability first while managing its business interests and significantly strengthened its sustainability governance to ensure this principle continues to be applied to all parts of its organization. To strengthen the Board of Directors’ supervision of sustainable activities in 2021, the Governance Committee, which had formerly been under the remit of the Board of Directors, was expanded to the Sustainability Committee in July 2021. The Sustainability Council, an executive-level consultative body, was placed under the leadership of the CEO earlier in 2022.

Samsung Electronics is making efforts to offer sustainable products to its customers. As part of these efforts, it has rolled out eco-conscious innovations including smartphones and monitors that incorporate materials recycled from discarded fishing nets and ocean-bound plastics and new, low-power semiconductors. It has also developed AI-based SmartThings Energy, a service that helps conserve energy by using a power saving mode that smart home appliances come equipped with, and SolarCell Remote Controls, which can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting.

In addition, the company increased its renewable energy use by 31%, compared to 2020, by continuously expanding the use of renewable energy across its business premises worldwide. It also plans to achieve 100% renewable energy in its business premises in Latin America and Southwest Asia by 2025, a goal which has already been reached in the U.S., Europe and China.

The company is also expanding its cooperation with its stakeholders in relation to sustainability. In March 2022, the company joined the UN Global Compact, a specialized organization under the United Nations that was established in 2000 with the aim of promoting the sustainable growth of companies and society at large. It is also developing a washing machine that reduces the impact of microplastics in collaboration with Patagonia.

Finally, Samsung Electronics is carrying out numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities that focus on education with the aim of fostering the technological capabilities of future generations, Creative Lab (C-Lab) projects that contribute to the vitality and diversity of the Korean startup ecosystem and the Future Technology Cultivation Initiative, which supports creative and innovative Research & Development (R&D) in the areas of basic science, novel materials and information and communications technology (ICT). One example of particular note is a team led by professors at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) supported by the Future Technology Cultivation Initiative. The team’s achievements were published in Nature.

The full text of the 2022 Samsung Electronics Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.

For more stories about Samsung’s sustainability initiatives, visit here.

“At CES 2022, we outlined how Samsung will contribute in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability issues,” said Hyesoon Yang, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Collaborations to combat microplastic pollution; helping consumers reduce their energy consumption; cutting back on waste by using recycled plastic; and adapting eco-conscious packaging, these are some of the activities we are working on to develop various tangible solutions for environmental problems and a sustainable future.”

Technology To Reduce Pollution

In a newly announced collaboration, Samsung is coming together with American clothing company Patagonia. As unveiled at CES 2022, this collaboration will promote environmental sustainability by addressing the issue of microplastics and its impact on the ocean environment. Patagonia CPO Vincent Stanley shared his thoughts during Samsung’s keynote speech on the significance of this collaboration and the direction it will take, calling it an example of how companies can “help turn the tide of climate change and restore nature to health.”

Patagonia is well-known for its commitment to innovative materials that lessen harm to the planet. The clothing company continues to help Samsung in multiple ways, including product testing, sharing its research and facilitating an introduction to the NGO Ocean Wise. Samsung has been researching features designed to help overcome the negative impacts of microplastics.

Also, the Bespoke Water Purifier was recently certified by NSF International in the U.S. for its ability to filter out particles that measure as little as 0.5 to 1 micrometer, which include microplastics. This makes Samsung one of the first manufacturers of water purifiers to receive this certification.

Saving More Energy and Encouraging More Eco-Conscious Energy Use

To contribute to better energy usage and to support sustainable living, Samsung has also partnered with Q CELLS to establish a new Zero Energy Home Integration¹ feature for SmartThings Energy. This feature provides production and storage data from solar panels and energy storage systems to help users establish energy self-sufficiency.

SmartThings Energy monitors power usage of consumers’ connected devices and recommends energy-saving methods based on their usage patterns. Partnering with Wattbuy in the U.S. and Uswitch in the U.K., SmartThings Energy allows users to switch over to the most cost-efficient energy provider in their area.

Ramping Up Use of Recycled Plastic

Samsung will also increase the amount of recycled plastic that is used in its home appliances. To this end, it will expand the use of recycled plastic from the interior components of its appliances to the exterior elements as well.

Samsung is set to raise its goal for recycled plastic utilization in its home appliances from five percent in 2021 to 30 percent in 2024. This is an increase from 25,000 tons of recycled plastic in 2021 to 158,000 tons in 2024.²

In addition, Samsung has also developed a new type of polypropylene recycled plastic for its washing machine tubs. Using discarded polypropylene and polyethylene from items such as used lunchboxes and facial mask straps, the company has created a new type of recycled resin that is more resistant to external shocks.

More Sustainable Packaging

Samsung is also expanding its use of eco-packaging to encompass a larger lineup of products, including home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, air purifiers and more. This will enable consumers to repurpose the boxes their products came in.

The expansion was first launched in Korea in 2021 and will be introduced to global markets in 2022.

For more information about Samsung’s eco-conscious initiatives, please visit Samsung.com.

¹ Available from the first half of 2022 in the U.K., the second half of 2022 in Germany and 2023 in the U.S.

² Based on weight of final components

“Samsung Home Hub brings seamless connectivity to the smart home and makes users’ lives easier by understanding their preferences and setting their home devices and smart appliances up accordingly,” said Hyesoon Yang, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience at the Digital Appliances Business of Samsung Electronics. “The connectivity of our devices and the Samsung Home Hub’s intuitive interface allow everyone in the home to get through their to-do list quickly.”

Connecting a Broader Range of Devices

With Samsung Home Hub connecting to smart home appliances in every corner of the home, you can now manage your daily routine, handle chores and take care of your house, all on a single device. As a home controller, it gives you a sweeping view of your entire connected home and allows you to stay on top of everything seamlessly.

From launch, Samsung Home Hub will be able to connect to every product within the SmartThings ecosystem, including your Samsung smart appliances. Soon, you will also have direct connectivity to other devices in your smart home system, such as your lights and door lock system.

Customized Experiences With AI and SmartThings

For the first time ever, a broad array of customized, AI-based SmartThings services have been united and can be controlled from one dedicated device with the Samsung Home Hub. These SmartThings services fall under the categories of Cooking, Clothing Care, Pet, Air, Energy and Home Care Wizard.

To make dinner time easier, SmartThings Cooking allows you to conveniently search for, plan, purchase and prep weekly meals with Family Hub.  When it’s time to do the laundry, SmartThings Clothing Care connects to appliances like the Bespoke Washer and Dryer and the Bespoke AirDresser and provides customized care options based on your garments’ material types, your usage patterns and the current season. What’s more, SmartThings Pet allows you to check in on your pet with the smart camera on the Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ and adjust settings on appliances like the air conditioner to make the environment more comfortable for your pet.

Meanwhile, SmartThings Air can provide automatic dehumidification and connect with air conditioners and air purifiers to manage the air quality in your home according to your preferences. To help you save on energy costs, SmartThings Energy¹ on the Samsung Home Hub analyzes your usage patterns² and uses its AI-equipped power saving mode to help reduce your energy bills. And to stay on top of it all, SmartThings Home Care Wizard monitors all of your smart appliances, sends you notifications when parts need to be replaced and offers guidance if something goes wrong.

Elevated Usability With Bixby

Samsung Home Hub is an exclusive 8.4-inch tablet that can be operated from its dock or used on the go around the home. For voice control, the Samsung Home Hub has two microphones and two speakers to allow you to easily hear notifications and use Bixby voice commands. If you have a question, just ask Bixby. Featuring high-performance microphones, the Samsung Home Hub can pick up verbal commands spoken from the broader room when docked.

In recognition of its innovativeness, Samsung Home Hub received a CES Innovation Award from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ahead of CES 2022.

Samsung Home Hub will be available in Korea in March, and globally after that.

For more information about the Samsung Home Hub, please visit Samsung.com

¹ Available in Korea, the UK and the US

² Users can track and monitor energy consumption data with smart meters, through power suppliers and energy monitoring providers such KEPCO (Korea), DCC (UK), and Copper Labs and Eyedro (US)

To help you get through your busy day, Samsung Electronics has put together a team. With the SmartThings app on the Galaxy Z Fold3 leading the way, Samsung’s latest washer and dryer, Neo QLED 8K and the Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ are ready to team up to help you get ready.

Read on to find out how Team Samsung helps its user ‘A’, breeze through his busy morning.

Good Morning Mode Opens the Curtains and Displays the Weather

A was watching his favorite movie last night and fell asleep late. He ended up missing the alarm on his smartphone, but there’s no need to worry. All he needs to do to get ready for the day is simply unfold his Galaxy Z Fold3 and activate Good Morning Mode in SmartThings.¹ Once he’s done that, the curtains that were closed so he could get a good night’s sleep automatically open up and the lights in his home switch on to help him begin his morning in a bright mood.²

One of the most important factors to consider when getting ready to go out is the weather. It’s the first thing to check before choosing your outfit and deciding whether or not to take an umbrella with you. Because Good Morning Mode displays the weather automatically through A’s Neo QLED, there’s no need to use the remote to check the weather.

A Washer That Chooses the Best Wash Cycle While Staying Eco-Conscious

A has picked out an outfit of the day that’s appropriate for the weather, but he forgot to start his laundry. Luckily, Team Samsung can select the best wash cycle and get his laundry done on time even when he’s not around.

Here’s how it works. First, open up the SmartThings app, tap on Laundry Recipe and choose the color, soil level and types of clothes you want to wash in your washer. Wash cycles will differ depending on the color and soil level of the clothes, and whether you want to wash shirts or things like socks. The feature will automatically choose the best wash cycle based on your input.

The Laundry Planner feature allows you to specify when you’d like the load to finish, so your clothes will be fully dry and looking good to go when you need them.

Whipping Up a Delicious Breakfast With SmartThings Cooking

A hearty breakfast is a must for starting off the day with lots of energy. Luckily for A, Team Samsung makes it easy to pick out a recipe for a great meal.

After receiving a recommendation on his Galaxy Z Fold3 using SmartThings Cooking, A automatically sends the recipe to the smart oven and starts cooking. When it’s all done, he can receive a notification through his Galaxy Watch, Family Hub or TV.

Forgot to Turn Off Your Lights or Devices? Don’t Worry With Away Mode

After putting on some fresh, clean clothes and finishing a delicious breakfast, it’s finally time for A to head out the door. With SmartThings’ Away Mode,³ if A realizes that he forgot to turn off a light or the TV as he’s heading out the door, he won’t need to head back inside to do so. The feature allows you to control not just the lights and the TV, but devices like robotic vacuum cleaners (RVC) as well. In addition, if you have a pet who’ll be left alone at home, SmartThings Pet⁴ offers peace of mind by allowing you to monitor your furry friend.

Monitoring Energy Usage With SmartThings Energy

After Team Samsung helped him get ready and he headed out the door, while on his way to his destination, A became curious about how much energy he’d been consuming this month. Once he unfolded his Galaxy Z Fold3, he accessed the SmartThings Energy⁵ service, which offered him detailed insights on his energy usage.

For those who can’t afford to miss work or skip chores in this busy world, Team Samsung is here for you. Experience a smarter and more relaxing start to your day with SmartThings.

For more information on Team Samsung, please visit samsung.com.

¹ SmartThings application must be installed and connected to devices in order to utilize its features. Application requirements may differ depending on the device.

² The electric curtains and lights described are products of a partner company, not Samsung. Therefore, quality assurance depends on the partner company’s standards.

³ SmartThings application must be installed and connected to devices in order to utilize its features. Application requirements may differ depending on the device.

⁴ SmartThings Pet is available for Bespoke Jet Bot AI+.

⁵ How much detergent, water and energy can be saved can differ depending on the actual usage environment and the types of items being washed. SmartThings Energy service may not be supported by some devices.

Samsung’s Bespoke Home vision offers consumers a home that is beautifully designed, full of flexible features, seamlessly connected and inspired by its user. In this third installment of ‘People Behind Bespoke’, Chanwoo Park, Head of Home IoT Business at Samsung Electronics, explains how the Bespoke Home harnesses connectivity between smart devices to enrich and streamline everyday home experiences.

In the Bespoke Home, your appliances come together to create a personalized home experience that is much more than the sum of its parts. Through the connectivity provided by Samsung Electronics’ innovative technologies, your appliances work together to create synergies that maximize convenience and bring something special to even the most basic of everyday routines.

Connected Solutions for a Changing World

Within the connected ecosystem of the Bespoke Home, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity come together to completely transform the home experience. While AI is leveraged to study usage patterns and give better recommendations, IoT allows your appliances to seamlessly interconnect within your home.

What’s more, with the SmartThings app, a platform that supports thousands of devices across hundreds of brands, the ability to control the way it works is placed directly into the palm of your hand.

In practice, this means your washing machine will remember your favorite cycle and have it ready to go on laundry day. Once you choose what you want to make for dinner, your smart oven will receive the recipe and set itself to the right temperature. Your robot vacuum is even able to recognize your pet, and will send you a video so that you can keep an eye on them even when you’re away from home.

One Step Closer to Creating a Net Zero Home

With the recent rise of energy prices and the growing necessity for greener smart home solutions, Samsung envisaged SmartThings Energy as a way to empower users to be able to control the way energy is used throughout their homes and make smarter, greener decisions at home.

Thanks to the extensive growth of its partnership network, SmartThings Energy is growing into a smart energy management solution able to encompass the energy consumption of every appliance in a home, and even integrates such newer, renewable energy sources as solar.

In the UK, SmartThings Energy is now integrated with nearly 13 million Smart Meters, covering almost half of all UK homes. The service increases household energy IQ by harnessing the power of a smart home platform that analyzes user behavior and empowers users to take action and make a change – whether that change be switching to a new energy provider or garnering more awareness of their carbon footprint through monitoring.

A Whole New Food Prep Routine

Building a weekly meal plan that is varied and contains meals that are both tasty and nutritious can be a big task – and that’s before you actually start looking at what you actually have the ingredients to make.

SmartThings Cooking curates your entire food preparation experience by building weekly meal plans based on your specific tastes, dietary needs and the ingredients you have on-hand. Once your meals are planned out, SmartThings Cooking connects to various food and grocery retailers to order any ingredients you might be missing. When it comes time to cook, SmartThings ensures your range is preheated to the right temperature for the meal you’re preparing.

SmartThings Cooking also puts an end to fumbling for recipes and flipping between apps by bringing all the necessary searching, planning, purchasing and preparation together in one single place. With SmartThings, you can get all your meal planning done from wherever you are on your smartphone – or plan your meals right on the screen of your smart fridge – secure in the knowledge that your planning will be shared and easily accessible across your devices.

Connectivity for Pet Care

In addition to making your life more comfortable, connectivity in the Bespoke Home is now capable of improving the life of your furry friends, too. With its ability to monitor pets and connect to other smart devices, Samsung’s Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ and SmartThings Pet allow you to see what your pets are doing in real-time and make the environment more comfortable for them from wherever you are.

While going about its cleaning duties, your Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ recognizes when your pet comes into view, starts recording and sends the videos straight to your phone. After receiving these real-time updates, you can then use SmartThings Pet on your phone to adjust the settings on your smart air conditioner, air purifier and lights back home to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible while you’re away.

Give Your Clothes the Care They Deserve

The clothes we wear every day are important mainstays of our lives, but maintaining sensitive and specialty items can prove complicated, especially given that properly cleansing our garments has become particularly important in the current climate.

SmartThings Clothing Care recommends optimal cycles for the items you’re washing based on material type, your usage patterns, the current season and more. A comprehensive smart wardrobe management system, SmartThings Clothing Care also monitors detergent levels, and can even order more detergent from online retailers when you’re running low.

With SmartThings, your Bespoke AirDresser and smart washer communicate with one another to share information and deliver personalized cycles and settings. Auto Cycle Link then matches the settings on your dryer to your wash settings to ensure your clothes are getting the consistent treatment that is just right for their garment type.

Committed to a Sustainable Bespoke Home Experience

With Bespoke Home, Samsung is dedicating itself to bringing an end to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. We have committed to making all of our current and future products IoT-ready in order to realize our vision for a more connected world.

The deep customizability we are delivering with Bespoke Home is present at many different levels of the products that make up the portfolio – from the range of Bespoke colors the products come in to the ways you can tailor their usability to realize your own connected home vision. The Bespoke Home works with you on how you like to cook, how you like the temperature and air in your home and how you like to care for your clothes. When your preferences shift, your Bespoke Home is right there with you, happy to adjust to ensure you are enjoying the highest possible levels of comfort and convenience.

However, in today’s world, convenience alone is no longer enough – our appliances must also find ways to contribute to a more sustainable future. To this end, Samsung introduced SmartThings Energy with the direct purpose of allowing you to monitor your energy information in real-time in order to better manage how energy is being used in your home. In addition to supporting most Samsung appliances, SmartThings Energy is being expanded to a range of other devices and solutions to allow you to make smarter, more environmentally conscious decisions across every aspect of your home and lifestyle.

Thanks to extensive growth of its partnership network, SmartThings Energy is growing into a smart energy management solution able to encompass the energy consumption of every appliance in a home, and even integrates such newer, renewable energy sources as solar.

Read on to learn more about this innovative new service and how it is empowering consumers to make smart decisions that reduce both their energy bills and their carbon footprint.

SmartThings Energy: The Smart Way to Manage Energy Usage

SmartThings Energy’s core capability is its ability to monitor and analyze the energy used by devices and appliances connected to the SmartThings platform. Users are provided with a comprehensive view of how their devices use energy so they can take control of their energy consumption and reduce their monthly energy bill.

Not only can the service be harnessed to automatically switch appliances to low energy mode and prevent appliances from running when no one is at home, the service can also notify you when your energy consumption exceeds monthly targets. SmartThings Energy can also use energy billing system information, including peak time rates, in order to help you adjust your energy usage and subsequently minimize energy costs.

Available in Korea, India, the U.S. and the U.K., SmartThings Energy currently supports most Samsung Home Appliances and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) products. In the future, SmartThings Energy is set to expand into more regions and support compatibility with a range of Works With SmartThings (WWST) 3^rd-party partners.

Fostering Partnerships for More Powerful Smart Energy Management

When developing their smart energy management solution, Samsung envisaged SmartThings Energy as a way to empower users to be able to control the way energy is used throughout their homes and make smarter, greener decisions at home.

“We are pursuing partnerships with major energy providers around the world to provide a comprehensive view of energy consumption through SmartThings Energy,” noted Chanwoo Park, Vice President and Head of IoT Business group at Samsung Electronics. “We believe that through these partnerships, SmartThings users will be able to make more informed choices about their energy consumption that will not only save them money but also help them lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle.”

These partnership efforts kicked off with two major agreements recently announced in Korea. The first, made with Korea’s largest electric utility company, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), will provide energy usage information from KEPCO to SmartThings Energy for users who have given consent, meaning that users will have access to information about their entire homes’ energy consumption beyond just those devices connected to SmartThings. This service will be available for users in Korea starting later this year.

This development will set the groundwork for allowing whole home energy monitoring with Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), or smart meters, through SmartThings Energy in regions around the world.

The second agreement, announced in early July 2021, is a partnership between SmartThings Energy and Q CELLS, a global leading solar manufacturer. Under this agreement, SmartThings Energy will be able to connect to Q CELLS’ solar modules, energy storage systems, and energy management systems. Once this solution is available, users will be able to monitor and control how they generate, save and use solar power, optimizing their energy consumption for both cost efficiency and sustainability.

The SmartThings Ecosystem: Working Together for the User and the Environment

SmartThings Energy is one of the latest services available on the SmartThings platform, which currently consists of such handy smart solutions as SmartThings Cooking, Clothing Care and Air.

When such solutions and services come together with Samsung’s range of leading intelligent home appliances, mobile and wearable devices and other lifestyle products, users can not only customize their lifestyles in ways that prioritize a more sustainable future, but also enjoy optimal convenience and efficiency in their routines, home management and more.

The introduction of the SmartThings Energy platform as a complement to the existing SmartThings ecosystem and associated devices is the next step in the journey towards totally personalized and sustainable living. Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for the latest news about SmartThings Energy and the SmartThings ecosystem as it continues to grow.

A zero energy home is one that becomes energy self-sufficient by only utilizing energy that is drawn from the home itself. This self-sufficiency is achieved by both producing energy through renewables like solar, and reducing energy consumption through utilization of more efficient devices.

Under this new partnership, the two companies will work towards establishing new solutions in which Samsung’s SmartThings Energy service is connected to Q CELLS’ solar modules and energy storage systems (ESS). This solution would allow homeowners to produce and store their own energy, then harness the SmartThings IoT platform to monitor and automatically optimize energy consumption in their home appliances and heat pumps (EHS, Eco Heating System).

For instance, the solution could automatically switch home appliances that are connected to the platform to energy-saving mode at night or on cloudy days, when solar energy capture levels are low.

Speaking about the new partnership, Jaeseung Lee, president and head of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Appliances Business, said, “We look forward to our collaboration with Q CELLS expanding our presence and strengthening the Samsung brand in global markets. We anticipate great synergy between Samsung’s smart home appliances and SmartThings platform, and Q CELLS’ solar energy and storage solutions.”

Q CELLS CEO Hee Cheul (Charles) Kim added that, “We expect the partnership between these two Korean companies to provide our global customer base with even more competitive energy solutions. We are hopeful that synergizing with Samsung Electronics will help strengthen our leading position in the global residential energy market.”

Sustainability has always been a central theme for us designers; we understand the crucial role design plays when it comes to creating a sustainable future. So at a time when caring for our environment has become ever more important, let us take the opportunity to commemorate World Environment Day by sharing our vision for a better tomorrow through design.

Don-tae Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics

It will certainly take time to fully achieve environmental sustainability in a way that everyone can benefit from. For many, environmental issues may have been difficult to relate to until they’ve started to experience tangible changes in their daily lives, such as using air purifiers due to fine dust problems or wearing masks to prevent the spread of viral diseases. From a design perspective, even if initiatives such as waste minimization, upcycling and energy efficiency maximization are put into place, there is still always more to be done. On top of this, designers always need to consider the aesthetics of their design in addition to its environmental footprint.

There are three main principles behind the concept of sustainable design. The first is the Eco-design Process. This is where eco-friendly initiatives, such as low energy consumption and high energy efficiency, are implemented throughout the entirety of a concept’s design process, from planning through to development. An example of this would be the upcycling approach Samsung harnessed when producing special edition Galaxy S20+ cases. In order to develop cases that utilized end-of-life PET water bottles, Samsung partnered with premium Danish textile brand Kvadrat. The collaboration saw over two years of sustainable development and planning to ensure that the end products would be both aesthetically relevant and eco-friendly. The resulting manufacture process differed from that of conventional cases in that it harnessed recycled yarns to create a substantial material to work with; from sourcing these recycled materials to ensuring the products passed Samsung’s stringent reliability standards, the entire design process had sustainability built into it.

Samsung’s sustainable Galaxy S20+ cases, created in collaboration with Kvadrat

The second key principle of sustainable design is to create resonance with those who use the products by involving consumers’ considerations in the eco-design process. Samsung’s recently introduced ‘eco-packaging’ for its global lifestyle TV products is one such example. The innovative cardboard packaging, which serves both as protection for the TV product and can also be used in numerous ways as a piece of sustainable furniture, was developed out of the understanding that, when consumers purchased TVs, they were also often purchasing other furniture items for their homes at the same time. In order to give these consumers more eco-friendly furnishing options, the TV’s packaging comes with easy-to-follow DIY instructions on how to transform the versatile cardboard into a standalone shelf, a TV table or even a cat house. The end goal of this was to give consumers more options when looking to take part in environmental protection – and to help them avoid being wasteful.

Samsung’s lifestyle TV packaging can be repurposed to serve as a cat house

The final principle is to give consumers the tools they need to make real changes to their lifestyles towards living sustainably and protecting the environment. Samsung’s SmartThings Energy¹, part of Samsung’s IoT platform SmartThings, is a service that allows users to easily and comprehensively monitor their home’s electricity consumption. The service is designed to provide users with a more grounded understanding of their energy consumption and the effects their energy reduction efforts can have, as it provides this information in the form of visualizations. Such a service is capable of raising its users’ awareness of sustainable living and encouraging them to take steps towards more eco-friendly behavior.

In 1996, Samsung elevated design to being one of the company’s core competencies, and since then the company has consistently placed users at the center of its design philosophy. This is in line with Samsung’s mission of contributing to a better global society; if a sustainable society is not the end goal, then what use does any such action have? This is why the company opened design studios all over the world, including in Seoul, San Francisco, London, New Delhi, Beijing, Tokyo and São Paulo to research and study emerging sustainable design and lifestyle trends. Today, over 1,500 of our designers are studying sustainable development and design and collaborating to find solutions that are able to meet the company’s high sustainability expectations.

Samsung Electronics will continue to develop products and solutions that reflect the concerns of consumers who value ethical consumption and environmentally-friendly initiatives. We will also keep working towards creating a sustainable future for all with eco-friendly designs that have the consumer at their core.

¹ Currently only available in South Korea