Assumptions

What is included?

General assumptions: 20 cu. ft. (AC).

Material

Material is not included.

Production

Production is not included.

Distribution

Distribution is not included.

Use

Power required to operate. To estimate the number of hours that a refrigerator actually operates at its maximum wattage, divide the total time the refrigerator is plugged in by three. Refrigerators, although turned “on” all the time, actually cycle on and off as needed to maintain interior temperatures.

End of life

End of life is not included.

  Carbon Footprint (CO2e)

We focus on carbon footprint (CO2e), the decisive factor affecting climate change. However, other dimensions should be taken in account before taking decisions, e.g. the water, the waste and the land footprint as well as the ethical perspective. Click here to learn more about CO2e.

Sources

  1. Olivetti, E., Duan, H., & Kirchain, R. (2013). Exploration of carbon footprint of electrical products: Guidance document for product to attribute impact algorithm methodology. A publication of the Materials Systems Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.

  2. Wholesale Solar (2020). How Much Power Do Your Appliances Use? URL: https://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-information/power-table

Contributors

Sustainablity researchers making this input possible:

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Elijah
M.Sc. Environmental & Resource Management, Brandenburg University of Technology