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Hi-tech lifestyle hinders climate change

A consumer electronics boom is hampering the fight against climate change, says a new report. Sophisticated new gadgets often use more electricity than older models, warns the Energy Saving Trust. Digital radios, set-top boxes, laptops, plasma TVs, DVDs and computers have all soared in popularity, and by 2010 consumer electronics, computers and home entertainment will use 45% of domestic electricity, the EST says.

The equivalent of 14 power stations will be needed just to power these devices, the report warns. Having more hi-tech kit dotted around homes means consumers often forget what they have left switched on.

Some hi-tech devices are less energy efficient than their predecessors – set-top boxes mean many viewers now use more electricity while watching TV. By contrast, the latest designs of traditional domestic appliances such as fridges and washing machines are more energy efficient than their predecessors.

In addition, the report points out that some electronic goods still have no manual “off” switch which means they are permanently left on. The increase in single-person households is also “taking its toll” on energy use, the report warns.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .