Energy efficient equipment and appliances

1. 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances Energy efficient equipment and appliances

2. Introduction • Energy-consuming products (computers, TVs and washing machines) make people’s lives more comfortable and essential to modern life • 25% of EU energy consumption by households • Potential for major energy savings through more efficient equipment. • People need to be aware that newer appliances far more efficient than older ones Energy efficient equipment and appliances

3. What is the EU doing? • Energy efficiency action plan (2006) emphasises more efficient energy-using products • The Commission promotes a culture of “sustainable consumption and production” (SCP) • Eco-design of energy-using products • Eco-labelling • Office equipment (Energy Star scheme) • Environmental management and auditing (EMAS scheme) • Green public procurement • Eco-design Directive (2005/32/EC) provides framework for energy performance standards for products. Sets maximum energy consumption levels • Labelling Directive (92/75/EC) and related legislation rate the energy efficiency of domestic appliances from A to G. New classes of A+ and A++ for some products, e.g. fridges Energy efficient equipment and appliances

4. What is the EU doing? • Energy Star Regulation (EC No. 2422/2001) voluntary US-EU agreement for labelling requirements for ICT equipment in offices • Commission’s handbook on green public procurement - examples of environmental tendering by local authorities • The Intelligent Energy Europe Programme funds energy efficiency projects. E.g.“E-Server” supports the market for energy efficient servers http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/projects/doc/factsheet/e_server.pdf Energy efficient equipment and appliances

5. Public authorities • Public authorities are large energy users with considerable spending power • Integrating energy efficiency criteria into public procurement a major driver for change • Public authorities can: • Take the lead in using energy efficient equipment and appliances, • Make ‘reasonable’ use of existing energy-using products • Set an example and communicate new ‘energy habits’ • Offer incentives to consumers who buy energy efficient products Energy efficient equipment and appliances

6. Good practice 1: Efficient public lighting Bottom up to Kyoto’ (ButK) • Makes it easier for authorities in new Member States to change to energy efficient public lighting • Potential for major CO2 and cost savings • Helps overcome market barriers • Experts work with authorities to pinpoint savings, then develop strategy • Five municipalities in different countries: Voru (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), Raciechowice (Poland), Cluj (Romania) and Slovenska-Bistrica (Slovenia) • Began March 2007, runs for 36 months • More information: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/projects/doc/factsheets/butk.pdf Energy efficient equipment and appliances

7. SMEs • Green public procurement can boost eco-innovation by setting green requirements for public contracts • SMEs in supply chain of bigger companies can be asked to provide cleaner and more energy efficient products and appliances • More companies adopting corporate social responsibility strategies - voluntarily integrating environmental considerations into operations • Greater efficiency reduces a company’s energy consumption and bills Energy efficient equipment and appliances

8. SMEs • Market opportunities for innovative companies in field of energy efficient products • Energy efficiency policies can be used as a marketing tool to boost a company’s image • Support is important for smaller businesses to overcome lack of resources. Also important to help companies develop more efficient energy-using equipment • Smaller companies can benefit from the latest innovations and technologies Energy efficient equipment and appliances

9. Consumers and retailers • Consumers need better information about energy efficient equipment available • Number of energy labels exist, but may not be widely known. Awareness-raising campaigns for consumers and retailers can change this • Increase the visibility of energy efficient products in shops • Consumers must be made aware of how much their household appliances really cost in terms of energy and running costs • Information campaigns should demonstrate how to use appliances efficiently such as heating systems, washing machines, low-energy lighting and refrigerators Energy efficient equipment and appliances

10. Good Practice 2: Promoting energy labels to Czech retailers and consumers ELAR (Energy Labelling of Household Appliances) project • Promoted commercial benefits of energy labels in Czech Republic • Making them more attractive to manufacturers and retailers • Comprehensive communication strategy and information tools • Leaflets, brochures and promotional materials distributed and widespread media coverage • Resulted in significant increase in awareness of energy labels • Project also covered Slovenia, Slovakia and Poland • More information: http://www.managenergy.net/download/gp2005.pdf (page ten) Energy efficient equipment and appliances

11. What is ManagEnergy? • Initiative by European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport • Supports local and regional actions on energy efficiency and renewable energies • Training workshops/online events • Information on case studies, good practices, legislation and programmes • Network of local and regional energy agencies (LEAs) Energy efficient equipment and appliances

12. More information? • www.managenergy.net Energy efficient equipment and appliances