Mobile phone manufacturers to launch energy ratings system for chargers

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Mobile phone manufacturers to launch energy ratings system for chargers

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By Stephen Glass (Wednesday, 19th November 2008)

A number of mobile phone manufacturers have launched a common energy rating system for chargers.

It is hoped that this will make it easier for consumers to opt for a more environmentally friendly choice, reports Cellular News.

The system has been developed and supported by leading brands such as LG, Motorola, Samsung and Nokia.

Around two-thirds of the energy used by mobile phones is wasted by chargers which are left in the wall when not connected to the handset.

The chargers that are most efficient will receive a five star rating and those that expend the most energy unnecessarily will get no stars.

It is thought that by providing consumers with information of this sort, the amount of energy saved each year could equate to as much as two medium-sized power plants.

Ratings are based on the European Commission's energy standards for chargers and the internationally recognised energy star standards.

These were set by the Environmental Protection Agency in the US and will be reviewed on a regular basis to encourage "constant improvement".

The group of manufacturers were initially brought together as part of the European Commission Integrated Product Policy pilot project which looked at how various industries could reduce their environmental impact.

Nokia was the first firm to recommend the mobile phone sector and it was soon joined by Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola and Samsung.

The Finnish firm recently came top in Greenpeace's Greener Guide to Electronics, achieving a score of seven out of ten points.

Samsung was given a rating of 5.7 and was closely followed by Sony Ericsson.

Apple and Motorola were two mobile phone manufacturers who scored poorly in the study.