Energy-efficiency benefits consumers, environment and businesses: Danfoss CEO

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Though emerging economies face the dilemma between attaining higher economic growth and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, energy-efficient technologies are the key to a more comfortable yet low energy-consuming lifestyle, the president of a leading Danish enterprise said Monday.

Although this takes a lot of effort, there are some success stories, Niels B. Christiansen, president and CEO of Danfoss, a worldwide leading manufacturer of energy-efficient devices and systems, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

For instance, Denmark, which suffered fuel shortages during the global oil crisis in the 1970s, embarked on an energy-saving and renewable energy-driven development strategy, he said.

As a result, its economic output has grown steadily while energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have barely risen over the past four decades, he said.

Christiansen recommended an energy-saving district heating network, a system for distributing the heat produced in a centralized location to commercial and residential buildings.

"This is by far the most efficient way of doing so," Christiansen said.

In fact, Danfoss research has shown that these networks help reduce some 113 million tons of CO2 emissions annually in Europe.

District heating fits China's national conditions as well, Christiansen said, who believes China is set to achieve its goal of low emissions through its commitment to adopt relevant green technologies.

Referring to China as Danfoss' second home, Christiansen said China has established extensive manufacturing and development capacity.

China has already been working on district heating solutions and other low energy-consuming solutions, he said.

Headquartered in Nordborg, southern Denmark, Danfoss also designs and manufactures such products as heating, refrigeration and air-conditioning components, heat pumps, solar inverters, thermostats, and electronic controls for motors.

Typically, it manufactures components that help products become more energy efficient, Christiansen said.

As consumer demand for energy-dependent appliances is booming in emerging markets, such innovations help lower overall energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Christiansen said that consumers in developing countries are more likely to buy cheaper appliances rather than expensive ones with energy-saving capacity, as climate issues are not as high a priority as living standards.

But he believed they will switch to energy-efficient products if they begin to perceive the issues from a long-term perspective.

"Most people are sensible if they understand the consequences," he said.

Businesses must take the lead in developing affordable, energy-efficient solutions, and encourage governments and consumers in adopting them on a large scale, he said.

It is a matter of great urgency and necessity as it is good for consumers, the environment and businesses, Christiansen said.

Source: Xinhua