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SINGAPORE: Investing in green household appliances will result in more cost savings in the long run, according to results of a study conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on energy efficiency.
More Singaporeans are taking steps to make their households energy efficient. According to NEA, 9 per cent more Singaporeans adopted good energy habits last year, compared to 2007.
Household energy consumption accounts for almost 17 per cent of total electricity consumed in Singapore.
But results from NEA's ongoing "10% Energy Challenge" have revealed a 2 per cent drop in the country's total household energy consumption last year, compared to the year before.
Under the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme, the more ticks an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is. Currently, the scheme applies to only air-conditioners, clothes dryers and refrigerators because they consume the most electricity.
But NEA said on Monday there are plans to expand it to other appliances like lighting fixtures. Its survey also showed that energy-efficient appliances are cheaper to run.
The average cost of purchasing and operating an energy-efficient air-conditioner for eight hours a day over seven years is around S$7,000. A less energy-efficient model, with the same usage pattern, will cost slightly over S$12,000.
Likewise, the cost of an energy-efficient fridge will amount to less than S$2,500 for 10 years, while a less energy-efficient model will cost more than S$3,000 on the same usage pattern.
Some 11 electrical appliance retailers were polled during the 14-month energy label study.
Joseph Hui, director-general of environmental protection, NEA, said: "We need to be aware of all the technologies available in other parts of the world and also be aware of the kinds of incentive schemes and various other schemes that are in place, so that what we subsequently implement in Singapore will be practical."
NEA hopes to spread the message through its Energy Challenge Week, which has started last Saturday.
A fair featuring the latest energy-efficient technology and innovation in household appliances will be held at the Marina Square Central Atrium from September 11 to 13.
Various community events will also be held islandwide until September 13. For more information on NEA's energy efficiency programmes, visit www.e2singapore.gov.sg.
- CNA/so
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