Guardian Unlimited Money News_ Gadgets drive up household energy use

Householders in the UK will double the amount of energy they use on consumer electronics by the year 2010, a new report warns. Despite a move to make many electronic appliances more energy-efficient, the number of electronic devices owned by an average household has increased greatly over recent decades, according to The Rise of the Machines, a study commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust.
Researchers who interviewed 1,010 UK householders found they were willing to pay more for energy-saving products, but Britons' love of gadgets means energy consumption from household domestic appliances doubled between 1972 and 2002. The report predicts that it will double again by 2010, by which time digital set-top boxes alone could cost UK households £780m a year in electricity, or £30 for each household.
Paula Owen, the EST's head of information, said the predicted jump in energy consumption was "largely due to the sheer volume of products available and the phenomenal growth of the market".
Also playing a part will be the forthcoming digital switchover, which will see an explosion in the number of set-top boxes used in British households, she said. In the 1970s, the list of appliances available was much shorter. Those most commonly used included the television, electric kettle and occasional lamps. In the 21st century there are scores more on the market. Typical energy-guzzling products include everything from hair irons and electric toothbrushes to computers.
The predictions come despite the fact that 72% of consumers surveyed said they would choose more energy-efficient electrical products if they knew which ones were the best to choose. At present, both the washing machine and dishwasher markets are dominated by energy-saving models. Eighty-two per cent of those surveyed said that because of the impact energy consumption had on climate change, energy-efficient purchasing was as important as buying organic food or Fairtrade goods.
Consumers also called for clearer labelling of products to identify the most energy-efficient. Fifty-two per cent said they would pay more for such products and for ethical labels.
Seventy-six per cent believed their buying habits would change if there were more labels on goods to highlight which were the most damaging to the environment. The same number said environmental impact labels would affect their purchasing decisions "much more" than five years ago.
But the research also paints a worrying picture of how gadget-heavy the average UK household has become. On average, each household has 23 lightbulbs in use, which is expected to increase to more than 26 bulbs by 2020. Research carried out in 2001 suggested that 6%-10% of household energy is wasted through gadgets left on standby. Our dependence on television is also taking its toll. In 2004, an average UK household owned 2.4 televisions. Plasma screens can use up to four times as much energy as a normal TV.
In response to the research, the EST called for policy measures to stem the tide of energy consumption. The trust wants energy labelling revised in 2008 and the government to set minimum standards for stand-by power usage. It proposes a tax on inefficient products.
At present, only large items such as dishwashers and washing machines are labelled for their energy consumption. The trust also wants smaller items to be labelled for their efficiency.Interactive guidesGlobal warmingThe slowdown of the Gulf StreamSpecial reportsSpecial report: climate changeSpecial report: G8