IntelliPlug Desktop by OneClick
May 3, 2012 by Lastrina
Filed under Electronics, New Products and Services, Plugs and Timers
Brand: OneClick
Attributes: Energy Saving
Description: OneClick’s IntelliPlug for Desktop is a smart plug which powers all desktop peripherals, such as monitor, printer, scanner, desktop lamp, broadband modem, speakers/sub-woofer, mobile phone charger or games console, on and off automatically.
To use the IntelliPlug, plug the desktop computer into the permanently live master socket, connect peripherals into the remaining sockets, plug the IntelliPlug into the wall socket, and the peripherals will receive power 5 seconds after the desktop is activated. When the computer is turned off, the IntelliPlug detects the drop in current draw and after a few seconds, it automatically turns off the other peripherals too.
OneClick is a UK company which carries a range of energy saving devices such as the IntelliPlug for TV, audio, desktop and laptop equipment.
OneClick’s energy saving products can be bought through Greenviron Eco in Singapore.
The product is awarded a Green Rating of 2 stars based on 4 points in the following 3 criteria (updated on 3 May 2012):
Business Sustainability
5. Has the company, product or service won any environmental or sustainability awards?
The product, IntelliPlug, was an Environmental Innovation Winner in the UK eWell-Being Awards 2006/07.
Energy and Climate Change
6. Is the product or service energy efficient or helps to conserve energy or reduce carbon emissions?
The product helps to conserve energy by switching off peripheral equipment when the main desktop is not in use, thus eliminating energy used in the standby mode.
7. Does the product or service have an energy or carbon-related third party certification or label?
The product has the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label. This is a UK certification mark for products that meet strict criteria on energy efficiency.
Chemicals and Health
25. Has the company taken steps to reduce the chemicals used in the product or service?
The product is RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant. This means usage of hazardous substances such as lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls, cadmium and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, do not exceed maximum limits.
“It switches off the peripheral devices automatically once the computer shuts down, so I didn’t have to wait for the computer to complete shutting down before switching off other devices. However, the peripheral devices didn’t switch on if my laptop is fully charged, perhaps because my laptop’s power consumption during normal usage is very low.
This device is useful for people who forget to switch off their peripheral devices such as printer, speaker and modem, when they switch off their computer. However, if pressing a few more switches is not an issue for you, then you don’t really need to invest in this device.”
What do you think? Share your reviews and comments below.
Esocket by Efergy
March 28, 2012 by Greenstore
Filed under Electronics, Energy Monitors, Featured Products and Services, New Products and Services
Brand: Efergy
Attributes: Energy Saving
Description: Efergy’s Esocket is a plug-in energy monitor for your home or office to measure how much electricity different appliances and gadgets use.
The Esocket displays voltage (V), current (A), frequency (Hz), current power consumption (W), highest power consumption (Hi W), lowest power consumption (Lo W), unit price of electricity (£/kWh), and records the total energy (kWh) and cost over time.
To use the Esocket, just plug it into the wall power socket where the appliance is to be monitored. Plug the appliance in to the Esocket and switch on the power socket. The Esocket will be activated and you can view the energy display, which can be adjusted by pressing the buttons to display different energy options.
By monitoring how much electricity and money an electrical appliance uses, you will be able to make more informed choices on when to turn it off, when to unplug it, and to understand the environmental and cost benefits of choosing more energy efficient appliances and saving energy.
Technical Specifications:
- Working voltage: AC90 – 250V/50-60Hz
- Power: 0.2 – 3120W
- Voltage range: 90 – 250V
- Electricity display: 0.001 – 9999kWh
- Unit price of electricity: 0.00 – 99.99£/kWh
- Current range: 0 – 13A
- Frequency range 10 – 99Hz
Efergy is a global manufacturer of energy saving products, with headquarters in the UK. The company’s electricity monitors and other energy saving products help consumers to understand how much energy they use and to save money on their energy bills.
Efergy’s energy monitoring products can be bought through Greenviron Eco in Singapore.
The product is awarded a Green Rating of 4 stars based on 9 points in the following 4 criteria (updated on 28 Mar 2012):
Business Sustainability
1. Does the company, product or service have a third party certified green business or green product label?
Efergy has been certified as a Planet Positive business as an ongoing commitment to sustainability. The certification process requires the company to measure its energy consumption and to commit to a carbon emissions reduction plan. The Planet Positive Foundation is a non-profit organization and a UK registered charity, dedicated to educating people on sustainability and engaging them actively in projects that reduce carbon emissions.
2. Does the company have a sustainability policy or publish a sustainability report?
Efergy has an environmental policy and is committed to helping people to save energy and reduce the impact on the environment. The company ensures that its manufacturing and supply processes have minimal environmental effects.
4. Has the company taken steps to implement green practices in the office or reduce the environmental impacts from its offices?
Efergy aims to use low energy appliances and lights in the offices, use public transport or electric scooters where possible, and minimise energy and product waste in their business.
Energy and Climate Change
6. Is the product or service energy efficient or helps to conserve energy or reduce carbon emissions?
By monitoring how much electricity and money an electrical appliance uses, consumers will be able to make more informed choices on saving energy and choosing more energy efficient appliances.
9. Does the company measure its energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions?
Efergy has been certified as a Planet Positive business as an ongoing commitment to sustainability. The certification process requires the company to measure its energy consumption and to commit to a carbon emissions reduction plan.
10. Has the company set an energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas reduction target?
Efergy has been certified as a Planet Positive business as an ongoing commitment to sustainability. The certification process requires the company to measure its energy consumption and to commit to a carbon emissions reduction plan.
11. Has the company taken steps towards reducing its energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions?
Efergy has been certified as a Planet Positive business as an ongoing commitment to sustainability. The certification process requires the company to measure its energy consumption and to commit to a carbon emissions reduction plan.
Efergy aims to use low energy appliances and lights in the offices, use public transport or electric scooters where possible, and minimise energy and product waste in their business.
Materials and Waste
19. Has the company taken steps to reduce the material and packaging used for the product, or to reduce the waste generated in the production of the product or service?
Efergy’s product packaging are fully biodegradable and recyclable. The company minimises packaging wherever they can, and is also currently ensuring they use the most efficient and environmentally friendly processes and materials.
Social and Ethical
30. Are the company employees involved in community activities or volunteering their time to help the community or the environment?
Efergy has invested in the Planet Positive Schools Programme, which offers businesses the chance to deliver sustainability and climate change materials to every pupil in a school.
“The Efergy Esocket energy monitor is a simple and easy to use device for measuring the energy consumption of an appliance and monitoring its energy usage over time. Really no fuss and gives you instant numbers.
I like to adjust the settings on an appliance and see how much its energy consumption changes on the monitor. For example, by adjusting to a lower screen brightness on my laptop, I can see the actual energy consumption of my laptop dropping by a few watts. This helps me to optimise and use a lower but comfortable brightness setting and save energy.”
What do you think? Share your reviews and comments below.
8W and 11W Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb by Philips
December 3, 2011 by Greenstore
Filed under House, Lighting, New Products and Services, Special Deals
Brand: Philips
Attributes: Energy Saving
Description: Replace your incandescent bulbs with the energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save up to 80% energy. CFLs also last up to 6 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. You save money by using less energy and with less frequent changing of bulbs.
The Philips 8W or 11W Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb is equivalent to a 40W or 60W incandescent bulb, respectively. The CFL has a screw base and the color is cool daylight. The bulb can operate within 170-250V. It is not suitable for dimmers.
There are some concerns about the trace amounts of mercury in the light bulbs. The government has the following advice.
Philips is one of the leading providers of lighting solutions and applications for professional and consumer markets.
Buy the 8W or 11W CFL online from Low Carbon Singapore. Payment is by Cash on Delivery and there’s a S$5 additional charge for delivery in Singapore. Free delivery in Singapore for orders above S$20. You can place an order through this form.
The product is awarded a Green Rating of 5 stars based on 14 points in the following 6 criteria (updated on 1 Dec 2011):
Business Sustainability
2. Does the company have a sustainability policy or publish a sustainability report?
Philips follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines at the A+ level.
3. Does the company have an Environmental Management System?
In 2010, 95% of reporting manufacturing sites were ISO 14001 certified.
4. Has the company taken steps to implement green practices in the office or reduce the environmental impacts from its offices?
The various green practices are highlighted in the Philips Annual report 2010.
5. Has the company, product or service won any environmental or sustainability awards?
Philips was recognized as the 9th greenest company in the world in Newsweek’s 2011 Green Rankings, and was recognized as a Top 50 Green Brand by Interbrand in 2011. See more awards.
Energy and Climate Change
6. Is the product or service energy efficient or helps to conserve energy or reduce carbon emissions?
The CFL bulb can save up to 80% energy, as compared to an incandescent bulb.
9. Does the company measure its energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions?
Philips track energy usage and carbon emissions in their manufacturing facilities.
10. Has the company set an energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas reduction target?
Philips has set a 2015 reduction target of 25% for the carbon emissions from manufacturing.
11. Has the company taken steps towards reducing its energy consumption, carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions?
The various steps are highlighted in the Philips Annual report 2010.
Materials and Waste
19. Has the company taken steps to reduce the material and packaging used for the product, or to reduce the waste generated in the production of the product or service?
78% of total waste from manufacturing facilities is sent for recycling.
Water
22. Has the company taken steps to reduce the water usage or wastewater generated in the production of the product or service?
Philips has set a 2015 reduction target of 10% for the water usage in manufacturing facilities.
Chemicals and Health
25. Has the company taken steps to reduce the chemicals used in the product or service?
Philips has reduced the use of harmful chemicals such as benzene, mercury, CFCs/HCFCs, lead, and PFCs in its manufacturing.
Social and Ethical
27. Does the company have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy?
The Philips Annual Report 2010 describes sustainability and social policies, which are integrated into the business strategies.
29. Does the company have a no child labour or non-discrimination policy?
Philips is committed to and embraces a diverse and inclusive working environment.
30. Are the company employees involved in community activities or volunteering their time to help the community or the environment?
Philips has a social investment policy to improve people’s lives and encourages its employees to use their skills and expertise as volunteers.
“I changed my old 20W lightbulb with this 8W CFL and it is as bright as before. It’s so easy to just change a bulb and save energy and money!”
