Sust-it: Energy efficiency database of consumer electrical products

Sust-it* is an independent energy efficiency comparison site for electricals which shows the running costs and CO2 emissions of over thousands of household electrical products, from TVs to tumble dryers. Using the manufactured published data, sust-it shows consumers the variation in energy and water consumption across products – before they buy – so that they can make informed choices; saving money and helping the environment. *Sust-it is a trademark

Summary

View the Website [EN - English]

Sust-it is an organisation completely independent from any manufacturers, retailers or energy companies. They do not receive any funding from any Government agencies, trusts or independent charities enabling them  to operate in a fully independent way to the benefit of consumers and the environment.  Funding for the site comes from a small commission of the sale of any goods from the site we receive . Revenue is also generated by providing energy data feeds for retailers, energy suppliers, price comparison sites, consultants and researchers.

Launched in 2007 this was the first electricals energy efficiency website to be developed with the belief that more could be done to tackle energy wastage. With rising energy costs and a growing interest in climate change there is a real need for easily understandable information on energy and water consumption, and sust-it sets out to delivers it.

The organisation has researched manufacturers data on over 9500  products in order to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions. The site indicates that energy labeling on white goods may be expected, but, people are surprised and shocked on seeing energy usage presented in financial terms and on learning about the varying energy consumption and running costs of brown goods - particularly TV's. It asks 'what's the point of buying a TV that could cost you twice as much a year to run than another that works just as well?' and indicates that if the website helps you save energy and money in one go, they are happy that CO₂ emmissions are  reduced.

It shows that any purchasing decision made has an impact on energy consumption. Every product bought has an embedded energy value, this can be a very complicated calculation involving the whole life cycle of the chosen goods i.e. raw materials used, manufacturing processes, transportation, longevity, how recyclable is it and, of course, its power consumption. This site bases their assessment on the easiest to quantify, that being the energy a produce will consume over its life since this is normally more than consumed during manufacture.

Related Information on the Regions 202020 Website:

• Sustainable Energy Theme(s): Energy Efficient Products

Last updated: 08/03/2012 10:26am - Contact: Katy HALL -