Samsung Electronics Joins the Carbon Trust in Launching New Way To Measure Carbon Impact of Connected Devices

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that, in collaboration with the Carbon Trust and other major tech companies, it has launched a new methodology for measuring the emissions and reductions linked to the use-phase of connected devices, such as laptops and speakers.

The launch of this methodology is part of Samsung's participation in the Decarbonizing the Use-Phase of Connected Devices (DUCD) initiative, through which the company has teamed up with the Carbon Trust, Amazon, Microsoft and Sky to tackle the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from use-phase electricity consumption of internet-connected electrical and electronic products.

These organizations are focusing on the use-phase in particular because it is typically the largest source of product's carbon emissions throughout its entire lifetime. Globally, connected devices currently require approximately 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy annually - similar to France's total energy use. Therefore, understanding and accounting for products' carbon impact and finding ways to drive down emissions while devices are being used is a priority for the tech industry.

This new methodology sets out how companies can assess and report emissions using data drawn from devices that are being used by their customers, enhancing the accuracy of reporting that has until now relied upon lifetime forecasts used in current emissions accounting. Tech firms will also be able to account for emissions reductions that have been achieved in the process of using the methodology.

The annual reporting of use-phase emissions and reporting of emissions reductions will lead to increased transparency in communication to consumers, incentivizing companies to make reductions while products are still being used. The standardization and accuracy of the data will also guide companies to identify innovative solutions to further reduce the carbon impact of their devices.

Samsung's contributions to launching the new DUCD methodology are a continuation of the company's commitment to finding new ways to save energy. This type of innovation is exemplified by SmartThings Energy, which empowers users to track their energy usage and make better energy decisions, as well as AI Energy Mode, which considers usage patterns and electricity rates to help users better manage energy usage.