LG Electronics Launches Greenhouse Gas Reduction Efforts with High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

LG Electronics is further expanding its voluntary carbon credit business through high-efficiency heat pumps. By increasing the adoption of energy-efficient electric heat pumps, the company aims to reduce carbon emissions during the product usage phase and have the resulting impact recognized as carbon reduction credits.

On April 14, LG Electronics announced plans to register a “fuel conversion-based carbon reduction project utilizing high-efficiency heat pump technology” with Gold Standard, an international carbon credit certification body. Previously, the company has been conducting a voluntary carbon credit business in Korea through the carbon certification system of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Now, LG Electronics plans to obtain certification from an international organization and continue expanding the business globally.

LG Electronics Air Source Heat Pump 'Therma V R290 Monobloc'. LG Electronics

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A heat pump is a system that uses external heat sources such as air, water, or geothermal energy for indoor heating. Compared to traditional heating systems that burn fossil fuels to generate heat, heat pumps can significantly reduce both energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also highlights heat pumps as a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector, where heating, cooling, and hot water account for a large share of energy use.

LG Electronics plans to produce and sell high-efficiency heat pumps certified by international organizations, thereby securing carbon credits equivalent to the reduction in energy consumption. The company will monetize a portion of these credits through the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) and reinvest the proceeds into greenhouse gas reduction projects, creating a virtuous cycle.

Since 2013, LG Electronics has been securing carbon credits through high-efficiency appliances such as refrigerators. Since last year, the company has actively expanded these efforts to include heat pumps, in addition to other high-efficiency appliances.

LG Electronics has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 54.6% by 2030 compared to 2017 levels, and is promoting the adoption of high-efficiency equipment and expanded use of renewable energy. According to the company’s sustainability report, LG Electronics’ direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions from domestic and overseas operations in 2024 amounted to 910,000 tCO₂eq (tons of greenhouse gases converted to carbon dioxide equivalents). This figure is close to the 2030 target of 878,000 tCO₂eq.

Meanwhile, on April 30, LG Electronics will hold a stakeholder consultation meeting at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, to share the main details and anticipated effects of the carbon reduction project for registration with Gold Standard, and to collect feedback. The company will explain the background of the project, the applied technology and reduction calculation method, the expected environmental and social impacts, and the Gold Standard certification process.

To gather input from a broader range of stakeholders, the meeting will also be broadcast live online. Anyone can participate and access information through the advance notice page. Feedback collected during the consultation will be reviewed and incorporated into future business plans.

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