1. Sean Goldrick 10105751 Paper Reviewed: Evaluating the sustainability potential of a white goods refurbishment program Authors: Maurice W. O’Connell, Stewart W. Hickey & Colin Fitzpatrick

2. 1.What are White Goods 2.EOL decision and Case study 3.Social Issues 4.Sustainability of Re-use scheme 5.Questions Contents

3. ‘Large household appliances, as ovens and refrigerators, formerly finished with white enamel, but now often colored’ What are White Goods? 0.6% unable to afford a washing machine 6.5% unable to afford clothes dryer 8.6% unable to afford dishwasher A white goods refurbishment program can Greatly reduce prices and make necessary White goods available to all. For example: A standard new Bosch washing machine sells for ~479.99 (D.I.D. electrical) [2]. A refurbished Bosch washing machine sells for 160euro from Budget Appliances in Dublin [3].

4. EOL Decision 1. Re-use the product (no increase in energy usage for manufacture). 2.Purchase a new product (note the rise in energy due to manufacture). 3.Throw it away The amortization period is the time taken from when the decision is made to change or re- use the product (1 or 2) until the energy usage for purchasing a new product becomes less than that of a reused product (3).

5. Case Study - Environmental 60˚c wash with 6kg load Manufacturing energy, 3508MJ 220 cycles per year Recommended amortization period 6years Results: For ‘A’ and ‘B’ rated washing machines re-use would be the preferred EOL strategy ‘C’ rated machines, when used at a medium or low intensity, re-use is best strategy

6. Case Study - Economic New machine 300euro, refurbished 100euro 20c per kWh No water charges Results: From an economic standpoint, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ as well as medium/low intensity ‘D’ and even low intensity ‘E’ would be suitable for reuse

7. The US EPA has estimated that 10,000 tonnes of material creates 1 job at an incinerator plant, 6 at a landfill, 36 at recycling centres and 28-296 in the re-use industry. At a refurbishment plant in Northern Ireland 16 people were responsible for processing 6395 machines, of which, 4605 were reused. 2009 almost 25% of Irish households were in arrears on bills compared to 10% in 2008 Social Issues

8. A constant supply of parts, sometimes no longer in production would be needed. 42% of the Irish population and 46% of the UK would be willing to purchase second hand electronics. Previous case study shows how ‘A’ and ‘B’ are favoured for re-use, currently 90% of washing machines are ‘A’ rating so re-use of low rated machines would not be a massive issue. Sustainability of a re-use scheme

9. Resources: 1.http://et4407.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/1-evaluating-the-sustainability- potential-of-a-white-goods-refurbishment-program.pdf 2.http://www.did.ie/bosch-7kg-1200-spin-washing-machine-wae24369gb- prd 3.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=564746450251534&set=pb.4 04723932920454.-2207520000.1381705494.&type=3&theater Questions?