LG cuts emissions by 38 million tons

LG achieves greenhouse gas target seven years early and furthers its commitment to environmental stewardship with low-carbon products

LG Electronics (LG) cut emissions from the use of its products by 38 million tons in 2013, equivalent to the emissions generated by 1 million American households using electricity. This exceeded the company’s target to reduce emissions from the use of LG products by 30 million tons in a year, a target which LG had previously projected would not be reached until 2020.

Buoyed by this success, LG has set itself the even more challenging goal of cutting emissions associated with product use by 60 million tons a year in 2020 ― an accumulated reduction of approximately 420 million tons between 2009 to 2020. “A decrease of this size will have the same positive impact on air quality as the planting of 150 billion pine tree seedlings a year,” said the Josep Kim, the LG East Africa Managing Director.  

LG’s advanced technologies helped to lower greenhouse gas emissions through impressive energy saving performance. The company’s Linear Compressor used in refrigerators and Direct Drive technology in its washing machines are clear proof of LG’s commitment to, and leadership in, delivering environmentally friendly products. LG’s LED-backlit LCD TV achieved 67 percent improved energy efficiency[1] by using Local Dimming Technology and Smart Energy Saving Technology.

For its continued leadership in manufacturing and promoting efficiency, LG was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence Award, the highest distinction bestowed upon ENERGY STAR partners. In Korea, LG has earned 98 low-carbon product certifications in the field of home appliances from the Ministry of Environment and Korean Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, more than any other manufacturer to date. Furthermore, LG was ranked first in the Carbon Management Global Leaders Club by CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) Korea from 2009 to 2012.

“Reaching this milestone could not have been possible if not for the dedication of our employees who have led the way in environmental stewardship,” said Joon-ho Kim, senior vice president and head of LG’s Quality Center. “We will continue to push the boundaries to bring innovations to our customers that are both technologically superior and environmentally responsible.”

Miffed by Fly540, Bishop Kosgey turns to Jambojet

When I received these photos from a fellow blogger who had an opportunity of being on the same Jambojet flight with Bishop Jackson Kosgey, the father of the luminary singer Emmy Kosgey, I decided to weigh in on the Fly540 infamy by pouring my African Ink as libation to the gods of justice.      

Jambojet Staff help Bishop Kosgey disembark plane

In light of Bishop Kosgey’s inhumane treatment by Fly540 staff, I should reconsider my supposition that all human beings are born with an internal moral compass irrespective of whether they worship Greek mythological gods or are devoid of any affinity to matters deity like the Free Thinkers Association of Kenya atheist flock.      

What exacerbates the matter is the overt admission by their CEO in an interview with Nairobi News that it is the company’s policy not to carry disabled passengers.

By the mere fact the Bishop is a member of the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, a statutory Government of Kenya agency, he would have been neglecting his duty and inadvertently acquiesced to blatant discrimination if he did not voice his protestations about the plight of disabled people on this airline.  

If Fly540 staff have the temerity to make a member of the Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee and renowned public figure crawl out of their aircraft, one has to wonder how they treat other hapless disabled folk.  

What exacerbates the matter is the overt admission by their CEO in an interview with Nairobi News that it is the company’s policy not to carry disabled passengers. Follow these links for Fly540’S policy on the (http://www.fly540.com/assistance.php; http://www.fly540.com/onboard.php; http://www.fly540.com/terms.php).

This begs the question whether the company is alive to the fact that IATA regulations stipulate that Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) and other disabilities must have equal or equivalent access to the services available to the general public. It is equally clear that airlines will need to absorb the costs within their business models. 

Instead of feeding us “X-rated nonsense” every morning as Sunday Nation’s Columnist Mutiga Muriithi would put it, radio stations should one morning unanimously dedicate to Fly540 “Mbona Mbona” the track by Daddy Owen feat. Denno rallying Kenyans to be empathetic to the plight of the disabled.

LG rolls out 2014 TV lineup

LG Electronics (LG) today introduced its 2014 TV lineup in Korea, unveiling a total of 68 new models including ULTRA HD TVs in sizes ranging from 49 to 105 inches, its largest collection to date. Among its new models is LG’s groundbreaking 105-inch Curved ULTRA HD TV in addition to its smaller 65-, 55- and 49-inch curved 4K units. 

As the first manufacturer to introduce an 84-inch ULTRA HD TV to the world in 2012, LG has consistently upped the ante with first-to-market ULTRA HD and OLED units. New for 2014 is LG’s webOS Smart TV platform, first unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, which the company expects to set a new standard in the smart TV market for its openness and ease-of-use.

“We are extremely confident that our state-of-the-art ULTRA HD and OLED TV models will establish a new benchmark this year,” said Hyun-hwoi Ha, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “With our strong competitiveness in display technology including ULTRA IPS, CINEMA 3D and the unrivalled simplicity of the webOS Smart TV platform, we are optimistic that in 2014, LG will be the one to watch in the TV industry.”

Ushering in the ULTRA HD Era

LG ULTRA HD TVs incorporate In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels that offer exceptional colour accuracy and consistently superb picture quality with minimal colour distortion from practically any vantage point. LG’s ULTRA HD Engine Pro offers the processing power necessary to achieve the 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) resolution and a proprietary chip works in conjunction with the engine to eliminate any visual artefacts. LG’s newest ULTRA HD sets all have the ability to upscale standard HD and Full HD content to near 4K quality.

LG’s leading CINEMA 3D technology offers the most immersive viewing experience in the industry, producing a convincingly realistic 3D effect with minimal flicker in 4K resolution. On LG’s larger ULTRA HD units, the effect is even more stunning and impressive and the unique 3D control feature makes it possible to adjust the degree of 3D at the touch of a button. All 2014 ULTRA HD TV models from LG are equipped with an advanced 3D conversion engine for those times when 2D just isn’t enough.

To ensure that its latest models deliver the very best in sound, LG teamed up with Harman Kardon, one of the most respected names in the audio industry. LG’s new ULTRA Surround system, combined with Harman Kardon’s expertise, pulls the viewer deeper into the onscreen action with audio that has never sounded more real.

Expanding the availability of 4K content continues to be a key component of LG’s priorities as an industry leader. The company has teamed up with a number of global content providers such as FOX and Netflix and is working closely with terrestrial, cable and satellite broadcasters to develop more quality 4K content.

Continued Leadership in OLED TV

LG’s comprehensive lineup of 77-, 65- and 55-inch OLED TVs further cements its leadership in what is expected to become the biggest growth segment in the TV industry. LG continues to improve the quality and range of its OLED models while expanding its global production capabilities. To bring the benefits of OLED TV technology to as many consumers as possible, LG is introducing both FULL HD as well as 4K ULTRA HD models.

Added benefits such as eGallery will showcase the rich colours and lifelike features of LG’s OLED TVs. eGallery boasts more than 150 works of mood-enhancing content, including paintings from some of the world’s most renowned artists, gorgeous landscape images, accompanied by beautiful melodies, to turn any living room into a private art gallery.

New Features to Maximize User Convenience

As announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, the simple and intuitive webOS platform will be featured in more than half of TVs including of LG’s ULTRA HD, OLED and CINMEA 3D Smart TVs this year. Its ease-of-use makes content searching and viewing, connecting with other devices, and even the initial setup process incredibly smooth. 

The first time the user turns on a webOS Smart TV, an inviting, animated character, BeanBird, appears onscreen to help get connected and walk the user through the setup process. And the new, open platform makes it extremely easy for developers to create applications and enhances the compatibility of LG’s Smart TVs with other devices.

LG’s newest TV features brings the company closer to its vision of making the TV the entertainment hub of every living room. Healing Mode uses sound therapy to improve one’s wellbeing in four different categories ― Deep Sleep, Increased Mental Strength, Stress Relief and Refresh. Sports Mode fine-tunes colour expression, optimizes surround sound and employs LG’s Clear Voice technology to turn any living room into a raucous sports arena.

Media Personalities Julie Gichuru and Lulu Hassan help to raise Ksh 7.2 million for Turkana’s Water and Sanitation Projects

The Julie Gichuru and Lulu Hassan led BE A HERO campaign has managed to raise over 7.2 million. The campaign which was sponsored by Leading antiseptics brand, Dettol in partnership with Non-Profit Organization Save the Children Kenya is aimed at raising funds that will go towards installing hand washing and sanitation facilities in schools in Turkana County.

Turkana County Women Rep Joyce Emanikor  flanked by Save the Children Kenya Country Manager, Duncan Harvey and RB Manager, Mr. Richard Pereirra (R )n displaying the cheque  with the funds raised during the BE A HERO campaign that was sponsored by Dettol.

Save the Children will be installing the hand washing and sanitation facilities in 15 – 20 schools  within Turkana County and training of teachers and students in health and hygiene promotion.

Launched in October last year, The BE A HERO campaign is part of Dettol’s Commitment  to raise water and sanitation standards  in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid regions, by installation of sustainable health projects that will ease access to basic sanitation in these regions.

While speaking during a brief funds handover ceremony in Nairobi, RB Country Manager, Mr. Richard Pereirra noted that the company has placed a strategic focus on development of health and hygiene programs through this year.

“Dettol will continue to invest in health and hygiene promotion in schools and at the community level by partnering with the National Government, Local Governments and

Non-Profit Organisations.

According to the 2009 Kenya National Census, only 37% of families in Turkana have access to improved water and only 1% of the population has sanitation facilities coverage. As such, cholera is a constant threat to child survival contributing to an under-five mortality rate of 117 per every 1,000 live births in Turkana, and impeding Kenya’s efforts to end preventable child deaths.

“We are looking to enable easier access to health and hygiene facilities by installing hand washing and sanitation facilities that will benefit 35,000 school children in 15 – 20 schools”. Noted Save The Children Kenya Country Manager, Mr. Duncan Harvey.

Through the years, Dettol has implemented school programs focused on teaching children when and how to wash their hands with soap and water. Through this, the company has reached up to 1,500,000 children.

Dettol brand has been a key champion of hand washing with soap in partnership with the government and not-for-profit organizations, in its quest to support the country in achieving its goal to be a healthier country, in line with Vision 2030.