Dyson Environment Policy

Developing digital motor technology

Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.

By developing high-speed digital electric motors we are

able to engineer smaller, lighter, more energy efficient

machines.

Example

Our latest digital motor (2009) has enabled us to develop

our new hand held vacuum Dyson DC31, with a motor

that is twice as energy efficient as its predecessor and just

a third of its size - saving electricity and saving materials.

Engineering efficient machines

Our machines are energy efficient; this means getting the

best performance for the minimum amount of energy and

sustaining it.

Examples

1. We refuse to specify unnecessarily large motors

for our machines never exceeding 1400 Watts in our

vacuums. Instead we continue to develop efficient ways

of sustaining constant suction such as our patented

cyclone technology.

2. Rather than relying on inefficient heating elements,

our Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer forces cold air through

0.3mm slots at 400 mph to create sheets of air that

scrape water from people's hands. Compared with

conventional warm air hand dryers it is 80 per cent

more energy efficient.

Doing more with less

By substantial testing of thinner materials, Dyson

engineers minimize the size and weight of Dyson

machines without reducing their strength, durability

or ease of use. Slimmer components require fewer raw

materials and less energy in the manufacturing process.

Example

The Dyson DC15 vacuum (2005) weighed in at 9.2 kg.

Its successor, the Dyson DC25 (2008), was slimmed

down to 7.4 kg.

No Consumables

Our vacuums do not have consumables: no bags

or replacement filters. So, no unnecessary waste.

Example

Dyson has never used bags in its vacuum cleaners.

Where necessary, its filters are washable but never

need replacing.

Packaging

Dyson engineers use robust boxes to protect Dyson

machines in transit, while also being environmentally

responsible.

Example

Where possible we package our products using recycled

materials. On average Dyson vacuum cleaner packaging

is made from 90 per cent recycled cardboard.

Building machines that last

We don't design for obsolescence. Rather than developing

throw away items, we subject our prototypes to an assault

course of abuse tests so by the time our machines roll off

the production line and come into service, they are strong

enough to withstand many years of use.

Example

The Dyson testing facility in Malaysia operates 24 hours a

day, seven days a week and includes some 126 different

test stations.

Environmentally responsible engineering is efficient engineering. Doing more with

less. Creating machines that consume less energy and made of fewer materials,

but are better performing and longer lasting. It is a mix of technological leaps

and many small steps. Revolution and evolution in order to improve.

1 November 2009

Recycling

When electrical appliances reach the end of their life,

they should be recycled. Dyson participates in the WEEE

Directive in Europe which makes sure that waste electrical

goods are recycled and outside Europe we're working to

set up recycling schemes too.

Example

In Australia Dyson is trialing a scheme whereby free

postage labels are sent to those customers whose

machines have reached the end of their life. The

machines are then disassembled and recycled.

Our Operations and Buildings

Dyson operates in more than 40 countries. As with our

products, we aim for our building and operations to be

energy efficient and environmentally responsible. From

the way we transport our machines, to the environments

in which we work, we strive to save energy and prevent

pollution.

Examples

1. When we replace IT equipment we select models

based on energy efficiency as well as performance. Now

the majority of the Dyson work force uses energy efficient

laptops rather than desk top computers.

2. By fixing minimum and maximum temperatures in

our buildings we are able to reduce the energy needed

for heating and cooling our buildings. In Dyson UK this

has contributed to an annual reduction in our carbon

footprint each year for the three years since 2006 and

in recognition of this we have recently been awarded

the Carbon Trust Standard.

3. We have eradicated the use of wooden pallets in more

than 75 per cent of our shipping routes - doing away with

the need to fumigate (often done using methyl bromide -

a known pollutant). No pallets also means that we can fit

more machines in a shipping container - saving on fuel.

Our shipping efficiency has increased from 85 per cent

(2005) to 98 per cent (2008).

Measurement and Communication

The shops that sell our machines and the people that

buy them are interested in their environmental impact so

we are committed to communicating our environmental

performance through our websites and our packaging.

Example

We are introducing messages about the recyclability

of our packaging on Dyson vacuum cleaner boxes.

Working with suppliers

Our suppliers must meet high environmental standards

and work with us to improve the environmental

performance of our operations.

Example

Our manufacturing suppliers in the Far East work with

Dyson engineers to calculate and then reduce the carbon

footprint of our machines.

Legislation

Dyson believes that the right laws will help accelerate

global environmental performance. We not only comply

with relevant environmental laws, but also influence the

creation of new laws.

Example

The European Union is in the process of introducing

new laws around energy using products such as vacuum

cleaners. Dyson is lobbying in favor of a proposal for

caps on the size of vacuum motors - which will bring

about the most significant reduction in carbon emissions

amongst the proposals.

November 2009