LG Electronics USA Announces Industry-leading Greenhouse Gas Reduction Commitment

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA today announced it will voluntarily reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent by the end of 2020, compared with a 2007 baseline.

Like most companies, LG's energy use represents the vast majority of its GHG emissions.  LG Electronics USA, the principal North American subsidiary of global leader LG Electronics, has operations in a dozen states, facilities using about 19.4 million kilowatt hours annually.

Wayne Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics USA, said, "LG Electronics has long been proud of how our highly efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified products help consumers reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Now we're taking our commitment to the environment to the next level with an industry-leading commitment to cut our own emissions in half in the U.S."

Park explained that, to accomplish its aggressive 50 percent reduction commitment, LG Electronics USA will focus on drastically cutting its energy consumption by:

•          Expanding and enhancing energy management systems and technology,
•          Purchasing electricity from green power sources,
•          Increasing computing efficiency in data centers and desktop/laptop computers,
•          Improving facility energy efficiency through HVAC and lighting technologies,
•          Identifying and implementing emerging technologies as they become commercially available and/or viable,
•          Using ENERGY STAR equipment and building materials,
•          Working with retail partners to help achieve the goal,
•          Optimizing office space, and 
•          Engaging employees to drive change.

"As with every other aspect of our business, the involvement and support of our employees will be crucial to our success," the CEO said.  The company is planning a comprehensive employee engagement program, to help educate them on ways to save energy, while reducing waste and improving their workplace and communities. Employee activities in 2012 will focus on energy conservation, sustainable transportation and recycling, among other things.  As part of its efforts, LG Electronics already has begun purchasing 100-percent green energy for its headquarters building in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.   

LG Electronics USA's efforts on GHG reduction also dovetail with LG's global green initiatives, which focus on producer responsibility through consumer take back/recycling programs, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions in manufacturing and the supply chain, consumer education aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of product use, reductions of hazardous substances, promotion and development of renewable energy technologies, and developing innovative green life cycle product designs.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of $ 48.2 billion, LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA Inc.