Electrolux 2001 Annual Report Download - page 35

Strategy and policy
Electrolux environmental strategy is based
on a holistic approach.The basic drivers
of our strategy for developing and market-
ing products with good environmental
performance comprise regulations, con-
sumer demand and the need to limit the
consumption of resources in manufacturing
as well as during product use. Environ-
mental work is both an essential part of
Electrolux operations and a business oppor-
tunity, as well as a central component of
the Group’s brands.The Group’s environ-
mental policy was updated in 2001.
Environmental impact and
risk during manufacturing
Electrolux manufacturing processes
involve relatively low environmental
impact and risk in comparison with the
manufacturing industry as a whole.This
has been confirmed in studies performed
by Oekom, a Munich-based firm of ana-
lysts.The Group works continuously to
reduce the relative consumption of ener-
gy and water at production sites, and to
achieve high use rates for purchased
material and components. Results have
been measured since 1988 and are
reported on pages 32–33.
Environmental regulations regarding
both manufacturing and acquisition of
plants vary between countries and regions,
as does their application by authorities.
Group units comply with local regula-
tions, and also act cautiously in the light
of the long-term nature of operations.
Electrolux products
In general, the greatest environmental
impact of Group products occurs during
use, through consumption of energy, fuel
and water, and in some cases in the form
of noise and emissions. Since a large part
of the consumer’s total life-cycle cost for
a product refers to usage (consumption of
electricity, water, etc.), highly efficient
environmental performance reduces this
cost. Products with high environmental
performance thus provide competitive
benefits.
Organization
Today, environmental work is fully inte-
grated in business operations and is led by
an environmental manager in each business
sector, who reports to sector management.
Group Environmental Affairs is responsible
for coordination at Group level.The
Group’s Vice President, Environmental
Affairs reports to Group management
and represents the Group externally on
environmental issues.
Energy labeling and
energy directives
Limits on energy consumption and energy-
labeling of products are core issues for the
industry as well as the Group.
Within the EU, energy labels are
mandatory for:
• Refrigerators
• Freezers and chest freezers
• Combined refrigerators/freezers
• Washing machines
• Tumble dryers
• Combined washer/dryers
• Dishwashers
ELECTROLUX ANNUAL REPORT 2001 31
Environmental activities
Environmental activities are fully integrated
into business operations. Performance indicators
confirm high profitability for leading products.
Environmental impact of household appliances occurs mainly during use, and the purchase price is often
less than half of the total life-cycle cost. Efficient appliances mean both economic and ecological savings.
For more information, see
www.electrolux.com/environment
Consumer use
10 years, 88%
End of life, 3%
Production, 9%
Life-cycle impact
Price, 42%
Water, 8%
Detergents, 28%
Service, 8%
Energy, 14%
Life-cycle cost
The Electrolux environmental policy
We want our products, services and produc-
tion to be part of a sustainable society.
We are committed to:
•Designing products to reduce their adverse
environmental impact in production, use
and disposal.
•Reducing resource consumption, waste
and pollution in our operations.
•Taking a proactive approach regarding envi-
ronmental legislation that affects our business.
•Encouraging suppliers, subcontractors,
retailers and recyclers of our products to
adopt the same environmental principles as
Electrolux.
•Giving appropriate weight to this environ-
mental policy when making future planning
and investment decisions.
•Setting targets and objectives, within the
scope of the environmental management
system, to achieve continual improvement
and a sustainable development.
Electrolux Group Management adopted this
environmental policy on September 10,
2001. Each business sector manager is
responsible for implementing the policy.
The Environmental Policy was first published
in April 1993 and updated in 1995 and 2001.
Environmental impact and cost of washing machines in Europe