SEOUL, Apr. 5, 2010 - Underscoring its commitment to energy efficient products, LG Electronics Inc. today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three of the world's top certification authorities to promote reliable methods for testing the energy efficiency of consumer electronics and home appliance products around the globe.
The three bodies - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Intertek and CSA International - will put LG products through rigorous tests to ensure they comply with the highest standards of energy efficiency and applicable government requirements. By voluntarily submitting its products to all three certification organizations, LG intends to further enhance its reputation in the area of energy efficiency.
"By making excellent products whose energy efficiency can be independently verified, LG is at the forefront of international efforts by manufacturers to conserve energy," said LG Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Yong Nam. "This initiative is another example of LG's proactive approach to responsibly managing energy usage and verifying the reliability of our results while further strengthening LG's position as a leader in consumer electronics and home appliances."
The MOU was signed at LG corporate headquarters in Seoul by top management from each organization: LG CEO Nam; Dr. Woo Paik, LG Electronics President and Chief Technology Officer; Keith E. Williams, Global CEO of UL; Gregg Tiemann, Global CEO of Intertek Commercial & Electrical; Ash Sahi, Global CEO of CSA Group.
By joining hands with three internationally respected certifying bodies, LG aims to promote, in cooperation with other stakeholders and governmental authorities, a trusted uniform testing system that can be used around the globe. This will increase consumer confidence in energy-efficient electronics products and reduce unnecessary regional barriers to world trade.
Under the agreement, UL, Intertek and CSA International will inspect products from LG's factories around the world and conduct tests in nine initial categories including refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and TVs. The number of products will gradually increase to encompass LG's full product portfolio.
The three bodies will evaluate the company's progress in the LG Electronics Energy Assurance Program (LEAP), which will focus on both consistent energy consumption performance and enhancing energy efficiency in the manufacturing process.
UL, Intertek and CSA International conduct energy efficiency tests throughout North America, Europe and Asia and are recognized as world authorities in the field:
- UL Environment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories Inc., a global leader in conformity assessment that has been testing products and writing standards for more than a century. UL offers the Environmental Claims Validation service for testing and validating manufacturers' environmental claims and Sustainable Product Certification, a service testing and certifying products to accepted industry standards for environmental sustainability.
- Intertek is a leading global provider of quality safety solutions serving a wide range of industries. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries around the world.
