Evaluating the Sustainability Potential of a White Goods Refurbishment Program

Steven Chapot

INTRODUCTION

White Goods? Quantitative Model & Irish Case Study Results Economic & Social Impacts Questions

WHITE GOODS REFURBISHMENT

What are white goods? Washing, refrigeration and

cooking appliances. Environmental and economic

sustainability of white goods refurbishment.

Fig.1: Variety of white good appliances

MODEL

Amortization period of appliance

Optimum time to reuse or purchase new appliance.

Phase 1: Original user Phase 2: Refurbished

appliance user

Fig.2: 1.First usage phase, 2.Refurbished appliance, 3.New efficient appliance

CASE STUDY PARAMETERS

27 unique scenarios of Irish washing machine users

First and second hand usage intensity

Ownership period Appliance rating Electricity generation

Fig.3: Appliance Ratings

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

A & B rated appliances

min 8 years amortization. Suitable for reuse. C rated appliances

3 – 9 amortization. Depends on usage

intensity. D & E rated appliances

low amortization period. Suitable for recycling.

Fig.3: Environmental amortization

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Economic amortization rates generally longer.

A, B, C and low intensity D appliances suitable for reuse

Reuse of some E rated appliances still appropriate.

3 – 7 amortization period.

Fig.4: Economic amortization

IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Employment Opportunities: 10,000 tonnes of material employment generation

estimates. 1 incinerator plant, 6 landfill, 36 recycling, 28-296 re-use. Example: Bryson and Rehab Recycling 10 times more labour per tonne in reuse.

Household Finances: In 2009, 25% of households in arrears. Difficulty paying for replacement of white goods appliances. Cheaper second hand model elevates burden.

SUSTAINABILITY OF REFURBISHMENT Long environmental amortization rates for A and B rated

appliances. High percentage penetration of A rated appliances in

market. Demand crucial to economic sustainability. 55% EU consumer would buy second hand white goods.

CONCULSION

Defined white goods Defined quantitative model & Irish case study parameters Analysed results in environmental and economic context Discussed impact on society Reviewed sustainability of program

QUESTIONS