Energy Efficiency
How energy efficiency makes an impact
With fridges and freezers consuming a large share of household electricity, in Germany around 20 %*, their use phase has the biggest environmental impact — up to 90 % for less efficient models. Improving energy performance is essential.
By enhancing refrigeration components, insulation, and operational systems, we reduce energy consumption, cutting both costs and emissions over an appliance’s 15-year lifespan. Customers also play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of their appliances by choosing climate-friendly energy sources. Together, these efforts highlight our commitment to designing appliances that not only perform exceptionally but also help build a more sustainable future.
*Source: German Environment Agency (UBA)
Reducing energy consumption – step by step
We prioritise energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact and address rising energy costs. With the use phase accounting for the majority of an appliance's ecological footprint, we focus on developing technologies and designs that minimise energy consumption. As a result, our fridges and freezers today use just a fifth of the electricity* they did 24 years ago.
* Freestanding fridge-freezer with NoFrost and a height of approx. 200 cm and a width of approx. 60 cm
Reference appliance 2020: KGN3446 (492 kWh/a)
Reference appliance 2024: CBNbsa10 575i (104 kWh/a)
Efficiency in every detail
We see energy efficiency as an evolving challenge. While we have made meaningful strides, our focus remains on innovating cooling technologies and designs to reduce environmental impact while meeting customer needs. For us, this means leaving no stone unturned — continuously working on improving every detail.
Measures for optimising cooling technology and control systems
Variable Capacity Compressors (VCC) adjust cooling output based on demand, using energy only when needed. This ensures efficient, quiet operation while enabling rapid cooling for features like SuperCool and SuperFrost. By optimising energy use, VCC technology enhances performance while reducing environmental impact.
Our microexpansion valves boost energy efficiency and reduce noise by precisely adjusting refrigerant flow. This innovation cuts energy use by up to 12 %, lowers operating costs, and ensures quieter performance — making models such as the FNb 505i and FNa models 6625 and 6635 among the quietest at 33 dB(A).
Adaptive cooling systems, electronic controls, and smart features optimise storage conditions while reducing energy use and environmental impact. Our adaptive cooling technology adjusts temperature based on stored items, preserving freshness and minimising food waste. Electronic controls and VCC technology regulate cooling cycles and compressor speed for maximum efficiency. Microexpansion valves ensure precise refrigerant flow, adapting to changing conditions.
We continuously refine our insulation materials to reduce energy consumption while maximising storage space. We use high-performance vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) in many of our foam-based appliances. These save space and outperform many conventional insulation materials in energy efficiency. Our latest innovation, BluRoX technology, combines vacuum insulation with perlite, eliminating the need for polyurethane.
The EnergySaver function slightly raises the default temperature, reducing electricity use without compromising cooling performance.
HolidayMode optimises energy efficiency during extended absences by setting the fridge to +15°C to prevent odours, while the freezer runs as usual, cutting energy consumption.
VarioTemp offers flexible use of the freezer compartment in fridge-freezer combinations, allowing temperature adjustments from -2 °C to +14 °C. This transforms it into a versatile storage space, whether as an extra cooling zone for drinks, a cellar compartment for temperature-sensitive foods, or additional fridge space when needed.
Our innovative relocation of refrigeration components to the appliance plinth has transformed the design and functionality of freestanding appliances. This innovative design maximises interior space, enhances energy efficiency, and enables front ventilation for seamless kitchen integration with InteriorFit. Our BluRoX technology appliances combine increased capacity, minimal noise, and top energy ratings.
LED lighting is standard in our fridges and freezers. It offers low energy consumption, long service life, and high performance — not only reducing power usage but also providing pleasant and effective interior illumination. Smart features like CleaningMode, which keeps LEDs on for cleaning while refrigeration is off, further demonstrate our focus on efficiency and convenience.
Corporate Responsibility documentation 2024
For more comprehensive insights, data and in-depth details, see our full Corporate Responsibility documentation.
