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.