AU2015101191A4 - Method and software for assessing the financial viability of buying carbon emission-reducing models of powered household appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a method, and its software embodiment, that enables a person to select a number of models of a powered appliance, and then receive purchase recommendations on each model. The method requires a user to provide data on the person's intended usage patterns for the appliance, and to select a number of models for comparison. The data provided by the user and a number of additional data reference sources are then used to calculate values for the estimated Lifetime Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (C02-e) Emissions from energy used by each model, and for the estimated Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model. The method then identifies the model in the comparison set with the highest Lifetime C02-e Emissions as a reference point. The method then makes purchase recommendations for each model, generated by applying a set of rules to the particular combination of differences in Lifetime Ownership Cost and Lifetime C02-e Emissions values recorded by all the selected models, relative to the model in the comparison set with the highest Lifetime C02-e Emissions. User selects User selects Start appliance type geographical region User enters the User answers number of years Energy Source is questions on he/she wishes to ascertained appliance-specific operate the usage habits appliance 206 207 208 User selects the User enters the User submits number of models brand, model inputs for that he/she wishes number and ccuaton to compare purchase price Processing Inputs are completed. validated and sent Results returned to the software for to user's screen processing. via the API Figure 2

Description

1 TITLE OF INVENTION METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF BUYING CARBON EMISSION-REDUCING MODELS OF POWERED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates generally to; a method of generating purchase recommendations for models of a powered product based on the relative differences in lifetime carbon dioxide equivalent (C02-e) emissions between the models, and the ability of lower-emitting models within the comparison set to deliver C02-e reductions at a financially feasible lifetime ownership cost; and the delivery of the method through software. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Currently many countries around the world have schemes for measuring the energy use of models of various powered appliances. These schemes are administered and governed by a specified governing body. Under these schemes, each model is tested for its energy use under a specified set of test conditions. Examples of such schemes include "Energy Star Rating" schemes for household appliances, and fuel consumption testing schemes for motor vehicles. [0003] In some jurisdictions, the local operators of the schemes publish the annual energy usage of all models that have been tested under the scheme, as well as the testing procedures used to derive the energy usage figures. Additionally, in some jurisdictions this data is made available for commercial use. Where this is so, a number of organisations have attempted to use this data to enable households to 2 compare different models of powered appliances based on their energy usage and costs. [0004] In jurisdictions where annual energy use data for individual powered appliance models is published, a number of tools have been developed to allow users to compare models that they are thinking of purchasing. The comparisons between models that these tools provide are generally limited to: - Comparisons of lifetime ownership costs, which are defined as the purchase price plus running costs over the lifetime of the appliance (for example, the Smarter Choice Running Cost Calculator - www.smartchoicecalculator.com.au). The lifetime of the appliance may be specified by the user or pre-set by the comparison tool. The running costs are often adjustable based upon the user's intended level of usage of the appliance, and based upon the unit price that the user pays for his or her electricity use; and/or - Comparisons of annual energy usage and annual running costs based on each model's recorded annual energy usage under the test conditions (for example, the Energyrating.gov.au Cost Calculator). This comparison may make adjustments based on the user's intended level of usage of the appliance, as well as the unit price that the user pays for his or her electricity use. [0005] Based upon the metrics in [0004], most tools then identify the model from the comparison set with the highest annual energy costs or the highest lifetime ownership costs. The tools use the model with the highest costs as a reference point to highlight the cost savings that a user could realise by selecting a model with lower costs. [0006] The Applicant has noticed that the comparison tools available do not enable users to calculate the carbon footprint (that is, the C02-e emissions) arising from each appliance's use of energy. Most households still rely upon energy sources that produce C02-e emissions to power most of the appliances they use. The intense public interest in minimising the impacts of global climate change has resulted in many households making an active effort to try and reduce their own C02-e 3 emissions. Being able to compare the C02-e emission impacts of different appliance models helps users understand the impacts that their purchase decisions will have on their overall carbon footprint. [0007] The Applicant has further noticed that the comparison tools currently available use the highest cost model in the comparison set as their reference point in calculating cost savings. As a result, the models recommended to the user (either explicitly or implicitly), are based upon the amount of money that the user can save in comparison to the highest cost model. There is however no tool that uses the model with the highest lifetime C02-e emissions as its reference point - using this reference point would enable a user to understand how much C02-e he or she could save by selecting a lower emitting model, and would also enable a user to understand the cost impacts (either positive or negative) of selecting a lower emitting model. That is the aim of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The summary of the invention is applicable to both the method and the software through which the method is delivered to the user. [0009] Once the user has indicated the type of appliance to be compared, the user is asked to provide a series of details regarding the individual's usage circumstances. The details are used for a number of purposes: a) to make adjustments to the energy usage figures made available by the specified governing body for each appliance model, so the energy usage figures more accurately reflect the individual user's situation; b) to ascertain how long the lifetime of the appliance is expected to be (as expressed by the user), so that calculations made over the lifetime of the appliance accurately reflect the user's expectation; c) to accurately calculate the estimated costs of powering the appliance, either by asking the user to directly input the price that the user pays, or by reference to 4 current prices for the energy source used to power the appliance, in the region where the appliance is to be operated; and d) to calculate estimated C02-e emissions from the energy source used by the appliance, in line with current official C02-e emission factors for generation, supply and use of the energy source by households in the region where the appliance is to be used. [0010] The user is also asked to provide the brand and model number of each model that he or she wishes to compare, along with the purchase price that he or she is expecting to pay for each model. [0011] The brands and model numbers provided by the user are then looked up in a central table of brands and model numbers, which also contains each model's annual energy use, as reported by the central governing authority for energy consumption testing for the appliance in the particular region. If the brand and model numbers supplied are found in the central table, the associated annual energy use values are then collected. [0012] The region where the appliance is to be operated (as provided by the user), and the energy source used to run the appliance, is then looked up in a central table of regions. This table also contains the region-specific C02-e emission factors for the type of energy source used to run the appliance. Emission factors are commonly published by government authorities, and measure the mass of C02-e emissions released in the production of each unit of the relevant energy source, in the region where the appliance is to be operated. If the region and energy source are found in the central table, the associated emissions intensity factor is then collected. [0013] The central table of regions and energy sources mentioned above also contains a value for the current price (in local currency) in the region where the appliance is to be used, of one unit of the energy source used by the appliance. If the region and energy source are found in the central table, the associated energy 5 price is then collected. This value is used only if the user has not provided an energy price. [0014] Using the data provided by the user, along with values returned from looking up central tables for annual energy use and emissions intensity factors, a series of mathematical calculations is performed to determine for each model, the C02-e emissions produced from energy use over the lifetime of the appliance (as specified by the user). This value will be referred to as "Lifetime CO2-e Emissions." [0015] Using the data provided by the user, along with values returned from looking up central tables for annual energy use and energy price (if the user has not entered an energy price), a mathematical calculation is performed to determine for each model, the total ownership cost over the lifetime of the appliance (as specified by the user). This value will be referred to as "Lifetime Ownership Cost," and is the sum of the purchase price and the total energy use costs (at current energy prices) over the lifetime of the appliance for each model. [0016] After these calculations are performed, the values obtained for Lifetime CO2-e emissions for all models will be compared, and the model with the highest value will be specifically identified. This model will be called the "Highest Emitting Model." [0017] A mathematical calculation is then performed to determine the ratio of the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model to the Lifetime Ownership Cost of the Highest Emitting Model (known as the "Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference"). [0018] The Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference values recorded for all the models in the comparison set are then sent to an algorithm. Based upon the combination of values recorded for all the models, the algorithm then returns a corresponding Purchase Recommendation for each model in the comparison set.

6 [0019] The algorithm is set up to initially look for opportunities for the user to reduce C02-e emissions in a financially viable way - that is, to buy models that produce lower Lifetime C02-e Emissions than the Highest Emitting Model, and that involve a lower, or only marginally higher, Lifetime Ownership Cost. If this cannot be achieved, the algorithm indicates to the user that no financially viable opportunities were found, and recommends that the user purchase the Highest Emitting Model. [0020] The method outlined, and the software used to deliver it, benefit a user by enabling the user to understand the long-term financial viability of purchasing one or more environmentally-sustainable models of a particular appliance. They also encourage users to look beyond the potentially higher purchase prices of environmentally-sustainable models, with a view to recouping the higher purchase costs through energy savings over the lifetime of the appliance. [0021] A user may use the method and software outlined, to make a number of beneficial decisions such as: a) making a more environmentally-sustainable purchase decision that also saves money in the long run; b) seeking alternative model choices in the event that the current model choices provide no opportunities for financially viable emission reductions; c) using the calculations to negotiate lower purchase prices with appliance vendors to turn financially unviable emission savings opportunities into financially viable ones. d) avoiding financially unviable emission savings opportunities and instead reinvesting any financial savings into more efficient emission savings measures (eg buying carbon offsets). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] Figure 1 is a flowchart demonstrating the flow of data in a software embodiment of the method. It shows the flow of data between the user, the visual interface for the software that the user is using, the API in its role as a connector 7 between the visual interface and the database, and lastly the database which houses the software. [0023] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the basic process of how users supply the necessary inputs for calculation, how those inputs are processed, and how calculation outputs are returned to the user in a software embodiment of the method. [0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a method by which users of a "calculator-style" visual interface used to access the software, could select the relevant Appliance Type for which the method should be performed. [0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the method by which the Appliance Type could be inferred from data collected from a third party website, wherein the visual interface used to access the software is an internet-based retail platform. [0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the method by which users supply the required personal usage information for a particular appliance type in a "calculator-style" visual interface used to access the software. [0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the method by which personal usage information, and brand, model and purchase price information could be collected and submitted for calculation in an instance where the visual interface used to access the software is an internet-based retail platform. [0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the method by which users select the appliance models that they wish to compare, supply the purchase prices for each of the selected models, and submit these details for calculation in a "calculator-style" visual interface for the software. [0029] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the summary-level calculation outputs for each model that are returned to a "calculator-style" visual interface for the software, via the API once processing of the calculation inputs is completed.

8 [0030] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the summary-level calculation outputs for each model that are returned via the API to a visual interface for the software that is in the form of a third-party internet-based retail platform via the API. [0031] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing additional calculation outputs that could be returned via the API to any visual interface used to access the software. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0032] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. [0033] The Detailed Description covers a method and embodiments of that method in the form of software. The embodiments of the software that are included in the Description are not exhaustive, and are by way of example. [0034] The method can be applied to any powered appliance that utilises an energy source that releases C02-e emissions into the atmosphere in the production, delivery or use of the energy source. [0035] The method requires that C02-e emissions intensity of a particular energy source be measurable and available in the region where the appliance is to be used. [0036] The method further requires that individual models of the appliance be identifiable by a brand and model number, and that individual models be tested under specified test conditions to determine their estimated annual energy usage. The specified test conditions need to be consistent across all models tested within a 9 particular region. The estimated annual energy usage figures for each model also need to be made available to perform the method. [0037] The method may be performed manually, or by incorporation into software. [0038] The software embodiments that are covered in this Description are: - An embodiment whereby the software is presented to a user as a calculator built solely for the purpose of performing the method. - An embodiment whereby the software is presented to a user in the form of a calculator built into an existing appliance model comparison process. [0039] The software embodiments that are covered in this Description are based upon the use of an Application Programming Interface (API) 105, which enables inputs into, and outputs from, the software 106 to be transmitted from or to a compatible visual interface 104. The transmission of inputs and outputs is dependent on the visual interface being granted access to the API 105, and on the visual interface complying with any technical requirements of the API 105. [0040] The software embodiments that are covered in this Description are based upon inputs of data into the software being performed by one or more of; a) 101 manual entry of information by a user into a visual interface used to access the software; b) 102 authorisation by the user for the software to be given access to data stored on an electronic device used by the user; c) 103 authorisation by the user for the software to be given access to data stored about the user by a third party. [0041] The software embodiments that are covered in this Description are based upon a user using a visual interface 104 on an internet-enabled computing device, including but not limited to a personal computer, tablet computer, mobile telephone, internet-enabled television and a wearable internet-enabled device.

10 [0042] The first step in the method is to ascertain from the user of the method, the Appliance Type 201 for which the user wishes to perform the method (eg a dishwasher, a car). [0043] In one embodiment of the software, the user may indicate the Appliance Type 201 by touching a button on a screen 301 to indicate the appliance that is being selected. [0044] In another embodiment of the software, the Appliance Type 201 may be discerned through an action performed in another process which indicates the Appliance Type, with details of the action being extracted from this process and transmitted to the software - for example 401, if a user visits visits the "dishwasher" section on an online retailer's website, the word "dishwasher" may be extracted from the section's URL and sent to the software as an identifier for the Appliance Type. [0045] After the Appliance Type has been ascertained, the method requires the capture of details regarding the individual user's intended usage habits, as well as details of the models the user wishes to compare. The usage habits and model details may be captured in any order, provided that both are captured prior to any calculations being performed under this method. The order in which these details are captured will vary depending on the particular embodiment of the software. For the purposes of clarity, this Description will outline the requirements for collecting usage habit data first. [0046] Regardless of the appliance type, there are always two pieces of information that every user will need to supply during the collection of usage habits - the Geographical Region in which the appliance is to be used 202, and the number of years that the user expects to operate the appliance for (also referred to as the "Lifetime of the Appliance") 203. The Lifetime of the Appliance needs to be greater than zero.

11 [0047] In order to properly apply the method, values for the C02-e Emissions Intensity and the price per unit of the energy source ("Energy Cost") used by the appliance in the geographical region in which the appliance is to be used need to be available. Note that the Energy Cost is only required if the user is unable to nominate a value for this. [0048] The other usage details that a user will need to supply will vary according to the appliance type ("Appliance-Specific Usage Habits" 204). For example, the details to be gathered will depend upon the assumptions that underpin the test methodology used by the governing body that administers energy consumption testing of that appliance. Any assumptions could conceivably be amended to reflect a particular usage scenario, however outside of laboratory test conditions, the impact of changes to many of these assumptions is hard to quantify accurately. [0049] Further to [0048], the method outlined in this Description limits the amendment of test assumptions to situations where the impact of changes to those assumptions can be reliably determined through the application of mathematical principles alone (referred to as "Pro-Rata Usage Assumptions"), or where the impact of the amended assumption has already been measured by the governing body, and is reported by the governing body as an energy usage figure (referred to as "Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions") that is separate to the energy usage figure under normal test conditions (referred to as "Energy Use Under Default Conditions"). Some examples of these situations are: - Pro-Rata Usage Assumption: Reducing the energy consumption of a dishwasher if a person only runs 4 cycles per week, instead of the test assumption of 7 cycles per week. In this case the energy consumption will be reduced to four-sevenths of the figure reported by the governing body. - Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions: Referencing the published energy consumption figures for a washing machine running on cold water (ie the Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions) if the user has elected to use cold water in the appliance, instead of referencing the figure for energy consumption under default 12 conditions, which is obtained for use with warm water (ie the Energy Use Under Default Conditions). [0050] At the same time that information on usage habits is being collected, it is essential that the Energy Source 205 (eg electricity, gas, petrol) that will be used to power the appliance be ascertained. For appliances that only run on one Energy Source, the Energy Source can be directly discerned from the appliance type itself. For appliances that can run on multiple Energy Sources, the energy source applicable to the user can be gathered in one of two ways: a) by reference to the model number - if the model number is classified under a particular energy source, then the energy source can be extracted from this classification; or b) by asking the user the type of energy source that he or she intends to use to power the appliance. [0051] One software embodiment of collecting a user's usage habits consists of input of all required usage details by the user into a visual interface, as per Figure 5, with these details then being transmitted to the software via the API. The details can be input manually by the user, as per 501, 502 and 503. The details can also be potentially pre-populated into the interface via retrieval from the user's device, as per 501, wherein the Geographical Region can be ascertained from GPS data on a mobile phone. Alternatively, data on Appliance-Specific Usage Habits 204 can be potentially retrieved from a third party which has stored the data for the user - for example, an application that is connected to an existing model of the appliance that the user owns, and that measures usage information from the appliance. Details such as 503 could potentially be captured by a third party in such a way, with the user able to override the pre-populated values and enter the details manually. [0052] Another software embodiment of collecting a user's usage habits may occur when a user is performing an action in another process that enables users to compare models of the appliance. For example, if a user is comparing the specifications of models on an online retailer's website, the website may provide 13 additional fields 601, 602 and 603 for the user to supply the information in 202, 203 and 204 respectively, as part of the comparison process. The information in 205 may be an optional field if required for the particular Appliance Type. The retailer may then choose to extract these details from the user's session and transmit them to the software via the API. [0053] When supplying details of the models to be compared, the method requires an indication of the number of models to be included in the comparison set 206. This information is required by the calculation algorithm to ensure that it accounts for the right quantity of models when running comparisons between models and when assigning purchase recommendations to the various models. [0054] One software embodiment for collecting the number of models to be included 206 consists of manual input by the user to indicate the number of models to be compared 504. This embodiment could be suitable for a calculator dedicated solely to performing the method, as displayed in Figure 5. [0055] In another embodiment of the software, the number of models to be compared 206 may be automatically discerned through an action performed in another process. For example, if a user is comparing the specifications of models on an online retailer's website, the website may count the number of appliance model numbers in the comparison set (that is, a count of 607, 608 and 609), and may then transmit this number to the software. [0056] The next step in the method is to identify the brands and models that will comprise the comparison set 207. In order to properly identify a particular model, the method requires a brand name and a model number to be supplied. The number of brand names and model numbers supplied needs to equal the number of models to be compared 206. [0057] As part of 207, the method requires that a purchase price be provided for each model in the comparison set. The purchase price is expressed in the local 14 currency of the region in which the appliance is to be operated, and must be greater than zero. [0058] One software embodiment of providing brand, model number and purchase price information 207 is by asking the user to manually input these details - 701, 702 and 703 respectively - with these details then being transmitted to the software via the API. [0059] In another embodiment of the software, the brand, model number and purchase price information 207 may be discerned through an action performed in another process that enables users to compare models of the appliance. For example, if a user is comparing the specifications of models on an online retailer's website, the website requires users to identify the brands (604, 605 and 606) and model numbers (607, 608 and 609) they wish to compare. The online retailer may already have a purchase price set for each of the models in its systems (610, 611 and 612). The retailer may then choose to extract these details from the user's session and transmit them to the software via the API. [0060] In a software embodiment, once all the steps of the method detailed thus far have been completed, the user should be asked to confirm his or her submission of the details 208 to the software (as housed in the database 106) for processing. This can be in the form of a "button" that the user touches to confirm submission, as per 613 and 704. Upon confirming submission, the details collected should be transmitted via the API to the software 209. During this transmission, validation of the inputs occurs. If any details fail validation, the user should be notified as to which details failed validation, and should be given an opportunity to rectify the details. [0061] In an embodiment of the software wherein brand and model number information is supplied by a third party that collects the details through its own model comparison process (for example an online retailer) and transmits these through the API 107 to the software, there is a possibility that some brand names and model numbers may not exactly match those held by the software. This is often due to the 15 fact that manufacturers may add extra characters to the model number to denote different versions of an existing model, wherein the features that characterise those versions have no impact on their energy use (for example, different colours, bonus accessories). In these instances, the software could attempt to "broad match" the supplied model number, to determine the closest matching model numbers in its database. A list of the closest matches could then be transmitted from the database to the third party via the API. The third party may then present this list to the user via the Visual Interface 104 and ask the user to select the closest matching model. [0062] Upon validation of all the details supplied, the next step in the method is to perform a series of calculations within the database 106 to ascertain the lifetime C02-e emissions and the lifetime ownership cost of each model. The method does not require these calculations to be performed in a set order, except for where one calculation has a dependency on another calculation. [0063] The first calculation to be performed is to determine the Annual Adjusted Energy Usage for each model, which is defined as the annual energy use quoted for a particular model under the test conditions specified by the governing body for energy consumption testing ("Published Annual Energy Use"), adjusted for values provided by the user for Appliance-Specific Usage Habits as defined in [0048]. [0064] The first step to perform the calculation in [0063] is to ascertain the correct Published Annual Energy Use figure for the appliance. If the governing body publishes only one annual energy use figure for all models of a particular Appliance Type, then the correct figure will be the Energy Use Under Default Conditions figure (as defined in [0049]). If there is the possibility that a model may have a figure for Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions, (as defined in [0049]), then a person performing the method must check whether he or she has been asked whether he or she operates the appliance under the default conditions, or under the alternative conditions. If this information has been asked for and provided by the user, then the person performing the method must take the following actions to ascertain the correct Published Annual Energy Use figure for the appliance: 16 a) look up the Brand and Model Number in a central table; and b) ascertain whether the user has opted to operate the appliance under the default test conditions or under alternative conditions; and c) Retrieve the Published Annual Energy Use Figure for the particular brand and model number, under the operating conditions specified by the user, from the central table. [0065] The second step to perform the calculation in [0063] is to ascertain the Pro Rata Usage Assumptions (as mentioned in [0049]) that apply to the particular appliance type, and to then apply these to the Published Annual Energy Use figure for each model. A Pro-Rata Usage Assumption can arise whenever a test assumption is based upon a certain quantifiable level of usage of an appliance over a set period of time - for example, number of hours of television watched per day, or number of dishwasher cycles per week. If the person performing the method has collected a value from the user that quantifies the user's level of usage over the same period as the test assumption (for example at 503 and 603), then the Published Annual Energy Use figure for each model is adjusted on a pro-rata basis, to deliver the Annual Adjusted Energy Usage for each model. The formula used to calculate the Annual Adjusted Energy Usage is: Formula 1: Annual Adjusted Energy Use = Published Annual Energy Use x Assumption Adjustment Factor wherein Formula 2: Assumption Adjustment Factor = Level of Usage Value quoted by the user / Level of Usage Value quoted in the test assumptions The Level of Usage Value quoted in the test assumptions will be a value specific to each assumption, for each appliance. This value must be looked up for each 17 appliance in a central table of usage assumptions, and then applied to the calculation. [0066] In some cases where an appliance type has both Energy Use Under Default Conditions and Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions figures available, the governing body may have designated the alternative testing condition to be optional. As a result, a figure for Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions may not be available for every model that has been tested. In such a situation, a person performing the method may choose to undertake any one of the following actions: a) refuse to accommodate alternative testing conditions in performing the method (that is, only perform calculations for users on the basis that they use the default test conditions); or b) reference the Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions figure for those models for which it is available, but refuse to include any models in the calculation for which this figure is not available; or c) reference the Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions figure for those models for which it is available, and provide indicative estimates of annual energy use under alternative conditions for those models for which a published Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions figure is not available. [0067] If the action in [0066] (b) is taken, then the person performing the method will need to ensure that at least 2 models in the comparison set have a published Energy Use Under Alternative Conditions figure available - otherwise there will be no models to compare. If this condition is not met, then the method cannot be performed. [0068] If the action in [0066] (c) is taken, then the person performing the method will need to decide upon a suitable basis for providing indicative estimates of annual energy use under alternative conditions.

18 [0069] The second calculation that needs to be performed is that of calculating the Annual C02-e Emissions for each model. This value will be expressed in a unit of mass. [0070] The first step to be performed in calculating Annual C02-e Emissions is to retrieve the value of the Energy Source 205 used to power the appliance (collected in [0050]). [0071] The second step to be performed in calculating Annual C02-e Emissions is to retrieve the Geographical Region 202 where the appliance will be operated. [0072] Once these two details have been retrieved, the next step is to look up the C02-e Emissions Factor for the particular Energy Source 205 in the particular Geographical Region 202. These values will be maintained in a central table. In order for the method to be performed properly, a value for the C02-e Emissions Factor, as published by a government body, needs to be available for the particular region. The C02-e Emissions Factor measures the total mass of C02-e that is produced in the generation, delivery and use of one unit of the Energy Source 205. [0073] Once the C02-e Emissions Factor has been obtained, it can then be applied to calculate the Annual C02-e Emissions produced through the energy use of each model in the comparison set. The formula for calculating Annual C02-e Emissions for each model is: Formula 3: Annual C02-e Emissions = Annual Adjusted Energy Use x C02-e Emissions Factor [0074] The next calculation to be performed in the method is that of calculating the Lifetime C02-e Emissions for each model. [0075] The first step in calculating Lifetime C02-e Emissions is to retrieve the value for the Lifetime of the Appliance (in years) 203.

19 [0076] The formula for calculating Lifetime CO2-e Emissions can then be applied. The formula is as follows: Formula 4: Lifetime CO2-e Emissions = Lifetime of the Appliance (in years) x Annual CO2-e Emissions [0077] The next step in the method is to identify and mark the model in the comparison set that has the highest value for Lifetime CO2-e Emissions. This model is called the "Highest Emitting Model." [0078] The next series of calculations will produce a value for the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model. [0079] The first step in calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model is to retrieve the values for Annual Adjusted Energy Usage (as calculated in [0065]) for each model, and the Lifetime of the Appliance (in years). [0080] The second step in calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model is to retrieve the value for Energy Cost applicable to the energy source to be used to operate the appliance. This can be done through one of two means: a) by retrieving a value for Energy Cost supplied by the user; or b) by looking up a central table that stores the estimated Energy Cost for the Geographical Region 202 where the appliance is to be used, and for the Energy Source 205 that will be used to power the appliance. If the user is not required to provide a value for the Energy Cost, then the estimated Energy Cost must be ascertained using the means outlined in (b) above in order for the method to be performed properly. The Energy Cost will be specified in the local currency for the region where the appliance is to be operated. It is unlikely that most users will be able to accurately input their Energy Cost without looking up their power 20 bills, so for purposes of simplicity the means in (b) above are likely to be used in most performances of the method. [0081] The third step in calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model is to calculate the value of the Lifetime Energy Cost for each model. This can be done by applying the following formula: Formula 5: Lifetime Energy Cost = Adjusted Annual Energy Use x Lifetime of the Appliance (in years) x Energy Cost (in local currency, per unit of energy) [0082] The fourth step in calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model is to retrieve the Purchase Price for each model, as supplied by the user. The Purchase Price will be specified in the local currency of the region where the appliance is to be operated. [0083] The final step in calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost of each model is to apply the formula for Lifetime Ownership Cost, which is: Formula 6: Lifetime Ownership Cost = Lifetime Energy Cost + Purchase Price [0084] The next step in the method, once the Lifetime CO2-e Emissions and Lifetime Ownership Cost values for all models in the comparison set have been calculated, is to take the values attached to the Highest Emitting Model as a reference point for the calculations to follow. [0085] The next step in the method is to calculate the difference between the Lifetime Ownership Cost value for each model and the Lifetime Ownership Cost value of the of the Highest Emitting Model. This difference is expressed in a value called the Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference, which is calculated using the following formula: 21 Formula 7: Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference = (Lifetime Ownership Cost of <model number> / Lifetime Ownership Cost of Highest Emitting Model) x 100%. [0086] The Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference is the critical value that drives the final Purchase Recommendation produced by performing the method. Since all models in the comparison set will have lower Lifetime CO2-e Emissions than the Highest Emitting Model, they Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference value for these models indicates the financial viability of reducing one's CO2-e Emissions by choosing these models over the Highest Emitting Model. [0087] The different ranges of Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference indicate the following about the financial viability of a model: a) Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference is less than or equal to 100%: means that the model will provide a user with lifetime C02-e savings compared to the Highest Emitting Model, and will also deliver a lifetime ownership cost that is less than or equal to that of the Highest Emitting Model (ie the model will be financially viable). b) Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference is greater than 100%: means that the model will provide a user with lifetime C02-e savings compared to the Highest Emitting Model, however its lifetime ownership cost will be higher than that of the Highest Emitting Model - ie the model will be financially unviable, with the degree of unviability determined by the extent to which the Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference exceeds 100%. [0088] A person performing the method needs to create a series of rules, based upon the values recorded by each model for Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference, to trigger a Purchase Recommendation for each model. [0089] The Purchase Recommendations provided by a person performing the method will differ depending on how that person has set up the rules referred to in [0088]. There are a number of embodiments of the rules, including but not limited to: 22 a) rules that assign set Purchase Recommendations across all the models based on set ranges of Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference. b) rules that rank the models based on their relative differences in financial viability in order to assign a Purchase Recommendation to each - for example, by ranking models based on each one's Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference value. c) rules that assign Purchase Recommendations based on a combination of Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference and Lifetime CO2-e Emission Savings (as outlined in [0090] below). This approach makes Purchase Recommendations based on the cost (or savings) incurred per unit of Lifetime CO2-e Emission Savings realised. [0090] A further calculation may also be performed to determine the total Lifetime CO2-e Emission Savings achieved by a particular model, when compared to the Highest Emitting Model. This figure can be used in setting rules for triggering Purchase Recommendations (as outlined in [0086]) or simply for reporting to a user as useful information on the environmental impact of his or her purchase. The Lifetime C02-e Emission Savings formula is: Formula 8: Lifetime C02-e Emission Savings = Lifetime C02-e Emissions of the Highest Emitting Model - Lifetime C02-e Emissions of <Model Number>. The resulting value from the formula is expressed in units of mass. [0091] Once the rules that trigger a purchase recommendation have been set by the person performing the method, the next step in the method is for the Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference (and Lifetime C02-e Emission Savings, if incorporated into the rules) for each model to be referenced against the rules, and for the appropriate Purchase Recommendation value to be retrieved for presentation to the user. [0092] It should be noted that a Purchase Recommendation value will also be determined for the Highest Emitting Model, and rules for this recommendation will be 23 set in the step in [0088]. Generally the Highest Emitting Model will not be recommended for purchase if other models in the comparison set are financially viable. However it may be recommended for purchase if every other model in the comparison set is financially unviable by comparison to the Highest Emitting Model. [0093] In a software embodiment of the method, the calculations and steps in the method outlined in [0062] through to [0092] would be performed upon completing the step of submitting and validating all collected inputs 209. [0094] In a software embodiment, the values for any calculation inputs that are referenced in the method, namely Level of Usage Value quoted in the test assumptions, CO2-e Emissions Factor, Energy Cost and Published Annual Energy Use, would be stored within tables housed in the database 106 that houses the software. When required, the software will look up the values for these fields based upon the values of the relevant inputs entered by the user. [0095] In a software embodiment, the calculations and steps in the method outlined in [0062] through to [0092] would be performed within the software's database 106. Once the calculations have been completed, the calculated values will be returned via the API to the visual interface used to access the software 210. [0096] In a software embodiment, the visual interface could display the calculated fields in a form as outlined in Figure 8, wherein 801 and 802 combined form the Purchase Recommendation for each model, and wherein 803 and 804 are calculated measures of the Lifetime C02-e Emission Savings and Lifetime Ownership Cost Savings that the user could realise by purchasing a particular model. [0097]. Figure 9 shows an alternative software embodiment, wherein the calculated fields are displayed in an online retailer's model comparison tools. 901 and 902 combined form the Purchase Recommendation, and 903 and 904 are calculated measures of the Lifetime C02-e Emission Savings and Lifetime Ownership Cost Savings that the user could realise by purchasing a particular model.

24 [0098] In any software embodiment, the visual interface could also display further calculated measures 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 and 1005 that demonstrate to a user the financial and environmental impacts of selecting a particular model.

Claims (5)

1. A method and computer software that produces purchase recommendations for a set of models of powered appliances selected by a person for comparison, on the basis of the relative differences in estimated ownership costs and carbon-dioxide equivalent (C02-e) emissions from the appliance's use of energy over the lifetime of the appliance between the model identified as producing the highest C02-e emissions ("Highest Emitting Model"), and all other models in the comparison set, comprising the steps of: collecting information from the user to ascertain the type of appliance that the user wishes to compare models for, the user's intended usage patterns for the appliance, and the brand names, model numbers and purchase prices for all of the appliance models that the user wishes to compare (the "Collected Information"); calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost and Lifetime C02-e Emissions values for each model in the comparison set using a combination of the Collected Information and values for calculation assumptions that are referenced from other data sources; and producing and delivering to the user, purchase recommendations for each model, wherein the purchase recommendations are based on applying a set of rules to the particular combination of differences, relative to the Highest Emitting Model, in Lifetime Ownership Cost and Lifetime C02-e Emissions values recorded by all the selected models included in the comparison set.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein a value for the default annual energy usage of each model under test conditions is made available under an energy consumption testing scheme administered by a governing body in the region where the appliance is to be operated, and wherein the step of collecting information from the user regarding the user's intended usage patterns for the appliance enables the default annual energy usage to be adjusted to deliver an annual energy usage value that more accurately reflects the user's particular usage situation. 2

3. The invention of claim 1, wherein the step of producing and delivering to the user, purchase recommendations for each model, further involves the step of; calculating the Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference, defined as the Lifetime Ownership Cost value for a particular model divided by the Lifetime Ownership Cost value for the Highest Emitting Model; and calculating the Lifetime CO2-e Emission Savings, defined as the Lifetime CO2-e Emissions value for the Highest Emitting Model less the Lifetime CO2-e Emissions value for a particular model in the comparison set.

4. The invention of claim 1, wherein the step of producing and delivering to the user, purchase recommendations for each model, further involves the step of submitting the combination of Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference and Lifetime CO2 e Emission Savings values calculated for each model to an algorithm that defines the purchase recommendations to be displayed to the user for each model, based on the combinations of Lifetime Ownership Cost Difference and Lifetime CO2-e Emission Savings values submitted across all models within the comparison set.

5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the user's access to the software via which the method is performed, is via a visual interface on an internet-enabled computing device, wherein the interface is provided by a party that has been authorised to transmit information to the Software in the format requested by the Software, and wherein the user may transmit information to the software by one or more of; direct manual input of information into the interface; allowing the Software to access data stored on the device used by the user to access the Software; or by allowing the Software to access data stored by the user with a third party.