Case study for calculation of Factor X (Eco-Efficiency) - comparing CRT TV, PDP TV and LCD TV

Abstract

It is generally believed that LCD TV sets are more environmental friendly than CRT TV sets and PDP TV sets. However this perception is based only on power consumption during operation. Judgment should be assessed not by focusing only on one stage but on the entire product life cycle. Furthermore it should also be assessed from other viewpoints, not only energy. Then three types of TV set were assessed using a "Factor X Tool 2001" independently developed from those viewpoints. We understood it was not necessarily true that an LCD TV was most preferred for the environment. In 30-inch or smaller types, the LCD TV has the smallest environmental impact. In the 32-to-40-inch range, from the viewpoint of global warming prevention the CRT is better, but the LCD is better for effective utilization of resources. In forty-two-inch or larger types, the PDP TV is largely expected.