APPLIANCES: We know you want Sub-Zero. What is their eco-friendly story?

We may be wrong, but we believe that just about every homeowner performing a kitchen remodel considers a Sub-Zero refrigerator.  If it isn’t considered, it is definitely envied - at least in most of California.  Seriously though, if there is a Sub-Zero in the kitchen, then at some point during the dinner party there is a conversation about it.  Whether it is the story of it being flown in by helicopter or dropped in by crane because your friend lives in a tri-level house, or simply because the clear glass door is so cool!

Well Sub-Zero believes they have an interesting story to tell about their eco-friendliness, and so we wanted to bring it to you here on GetWithGreen.com.  Here are some interesting points from the team at Sub-Zero:

1. The largest Sub-Zero refrigerator consumes less power than a 100-watt bulb, due to dual refrigeration technology.
2. Sub-Zero products are manufactured in the United States, which reduces the environmental impact caused by international shipping of materials and parts.
3. Sub-Zero has worked hard to find/use energy efficient motors.
4. All refrigerant used is non-ozone depleting.
5. All vehicles used in the production are electric or propane powered.
6. Aggressive recycling programs at the factory for all scrap materials.

We dug a bit deeper, and the following are ENERGY STAR compliant Sub-Zero Products:  

• 601R All Refrigerator - uses less energy than a 100-watt light bulb, and over 50% of the plastic used in its construction is recycled.  Annual energy cost is $37 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• 601RG Glass-Door All Refrigerator (you saw it at the party!) - uses less energy than a 100-watt light bulb, and over 50% of the plastic used in its construction is recycled.  Annual energy cost is $37 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• 611 Over-Under Refrigerator/Freezer - Annual energy cost is $42 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• 650 Over-Under - Annual energy cost is $44 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• 700BR  Refrigerator Drawers - Annual energy usage is 339 kWh/$31 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• UC-24R All Refrigerator - Annual energy usage is 339 kWh/$31 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)
• UC-24RO Outdoor Refrigerator - Annual energy usage is 339 kWh/$31 (based on 9.06 cents/kWh)

We would also like to note that if scroll down the list of ENERGY STAR refrigerator/freezer products, that the Sub-Zero products operate at just about the same level of energy (sometimes less) as most of the common brands such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Thermador.  Sub-Zero products on the ENERGY STAR list operate at 15% below the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) minimum standards based on their size.  This is typical of most of the ENERGY STAR qualified products on the list, and it is required to make the list.  Some refrigerators operate at a greater percentage below, but very few.

Net net we were surprised at the efficiency of the products listed above (assuming you don’t drop them in by crane, or helicopter).  I’ve now lost one more argument against the Sub-Zero hitting our remodel budget here at home!

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