New Zealand Celsias

A while back I complained to the Commerce Commission about the LPG Association website for claiming 'green' credentials I did not feel it had. Yes, LPG folks, if you are reading this, it was me. 

I received a response yesterday, and it looks like their senior investigator agreed. Whether you do or not, it’s good to know the process is working. Read on to find out what happened. Check out the Commerce Commission’s guidelines on green marketing, and soon you too could be calling companies to account for their claims, at the mere writing of an email.

Alternatively, if spot any potential breaches, let me know, and I’ll try to set the CC’s dogs on ‘em.  

Here’s my original complaint:

I wish to complain that the following website is misleading, especially in the use of the term 'green' to denote environmental credentials: http://www.lpga.co.nz/infoTech.php

It is a fact that LPG is a fossil fuel that contributes significantly to climate change. To claim 'Climate Change Benefits' is therefore misleading. 

There is a false comparison here in comparing LPG to other fossil fuels. 

The statement: “It is also preferred in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, particularly for heating, because it offers climate change advantages over most other energy sources.” Is unsubstantiated, and I believe, untrue. It completely avoids mentioning New Zealand's national grid, which is about 70% renewable energy, or the use of modern wood burners, etc. 

At the very least, I feel this website breaches Commerce Commission guidelines. I wonder if you could consider it for investigation?

Sinead Sinnot, senior investigator at the Commerce Commission, replied:

I have investigated your complaint relating to representations made by the LPG Association (LPGA) on its website.

I spoke to a representative of the LPGA about the representations made on its website.  I subsequently sent a compliance advice letter to the LPGA advising it of its obligations under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the relevant provisions relating to false and misleading representations that goods or services are of a particular kind, standard or quality.  The Commission considers that environmental claims should be clearly and accurately explained and should not include unqualified or general statements.

The LPGA has stated that it will be reviewing the content of its website in order to provide more detail about the environmental benefits of LPG and an explanation of what it is being compared to.    

The Commission does not intend to take any further action other than the issuing of the compliance advice, but may monitor the content of the LPGA website with a view to reassessing our position should we receive further complaints.  I can advise you that the fact that the Commission is not taking any further action does not prevent any individual from taking their own action under the Act.

I would like to thank you for bringing this matter to the Commission's attention.