“Energy Efficiency Labeling and Standard” in South Korea

Today I’m going to be talking about one of the green certification programs Joon mentioned in his theme announcement, the ‘Energy Efficiency Rating System’ in South Korea.

Since its establishment in 1980, Korea Energy Agency (KEA) is responsible for promoting efficient and rational energy use in Korea. In order to accelerate development of energy efficiency technology and encourage consumers to purchase energy saving products, “Energy Efficiency Labeling and Standard” was introduced in 1992. This program mandates that commonly used products that consume large amount of energy be labeled with energy efficiency ratings. The ratings range from the less energy consuming product (level 1) to the highest one (level 5). The products that did not meet the minimum energy performance standards are banned. The products that have these labeling are total of 35 products which include refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, rice cookers, vacuum cleaners, electric fans, and television sets.

 I looked around the house to check if the household appliances did actually have these labels and they did. Most of the appliances were rated level 1 with a few exceptions of electric fans and air purifiers with level 2 and 3 ratings. I asked my mom if she was conscious of these ratings, and she said she was. When she buys new appliances, she always checks to see if it is rated level 1. She said those few exceptions were bought long ago when she was unaware of the environment issues like now. I hope everybody become more and more aware of things we can do to save energy in our daily lives.