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Mark Newton, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Samsung Electronics America

Harnessing the Power of an Energy-Efficient Future

17 April 2023, 14:15 UTC 4 min read

Mark Newton, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Samsung Electronics America

At Samsung, we believe the key to a greener future is held by everyday sustainability. Our products and user experiences are designed with eco-consciousness, conservation and manufactured keeping in mind product usage and recovery.

As we approach the US Climate Action Summit, we are proud to showcase our progress in developing energy-efficient home appliances and heat pump HVAC and collaborations with partners who share our vision for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Empowering Consumers to Make Greener Choices

We are dedicated to designing home appliances that excel in energy-efficient performance while helping consumers reduce their carbon footprint. As of 2022, more than 81% of our home appliances proudly carry the ENERGY STAR certification, ensuring significantly fewer emissions compared to like products that meet DOE minimum requirements.

Moreover, many of our appliances may be eligible for consumer rebates under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and the HOMES rebate program in the Inflation Reduction Act. HEEHRA encourages consumers, including those earning up to 150% of the area median income, to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. HEEHRA eligible products include electric cooking appliances, heat-pump dryers, heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, wiring, and weatherization, enabling consumers to save money while actively contributing to a more sustainable future.

Pioneering Green Innovation

In collaboration with Patagonia, Samsung is developing specialized washing machine settings designed to reduce the release of microplastics into waterways by up to 54%. Our wash feature optimizes water and energy use for each load, ensuring that fabrics such as nylon, fleece, and spandex are washed efficiently while reducing the impact to the environment. Our commitment to the environment is firmly ensconced in the very innovation that drives our business.

Samsung's engineering teams are also hard at work, developing technologies that allow TV remotes and phone chargers to operate at near-zero standby power. Additionally, our ultra-low power memory chips significantly decrease power consumption across smartphones, TVs, monitors, and home appliances, all without sacrificing performance. These groundbreaking innovations not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to a more sustainable electronic landscape.

Our SolarCell remote for TVs is another example of our dedication to reducing waste. The remote aims to eliminate over 200 million batteries from landfills, highlighting our commitment to a circular economy.

Our SmartThings program connects mobile phones, TVs, and home appliances to a central energy management system. This integration allows consumers to monitor their energy usage in real-time through a dedicated app. By providing users with greater control and insights into their consumption patterns, Samsung is empowering customers to make more eco-conscious choices and contribute to a cleaner, safer planet.

Committing to a Greener Future

As an RE100 Gold Member, Samsung has pledged to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources across all global operations by 2050 – and we’ve already achieved this in the US, Europe and China. Our consumer electronics division is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, and we plan to match the electric power needs of our international markets with renewable energy within the next five years.

Our commitment to a greener future extends beyond our own operations. We have established partnerships with private and public sector organizations, all working together to create a more sustainable world. These collaborations are essential for driving environmentally responsible innovation, and the US Climate Action Summit serves as a platform for honest, open conversations that can lead to powerful alliances.

The importance of fostering strong partnerships and sharing our experiences cannot be understated. As we continue to work towards our ambitious climate goals, we recognize that we cannot achieve these milestones alone. By joining forces with like-minded organizations, we can harness the power of an energy-efficient future and create a safer, more sustainable world for generations to come.

As a Spotlight Partner of the US Climate Action Summit, Samsung is eager to engage with other committed industry leaders in forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. We understand the significance of timely, coordinated climate action and the potential impact of corporate alliances in addressing today’s and tomorrow’s environmental challenges.

By harnessing the power of an energy-efficient future, we aim to create a world where sustainability is not merely an afterthought, but an intrinsic aspect of every product and user experience. Through cutting-edge technology, innovative collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to the environment, Samsung aspires to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

As we convene in Washington, D.C., for the US Climate Action Summit, let us celebrate the progress made so far and recommit ourselves to even bolder and more ambitious goals. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener world—one that our children and grandchildren can be proud to inherit. The power of an energy-efficient future lies within our grasp, and it is our collective responsibility to seize this opportunity to reduce what we take and green what we make.