Summary of achievements of energy efficiency standards and labelling programmes

The International Energy Agency has a number of important technology collaboration programmes that have provided valuable results over many years.   One of the collaboration programmes on Energy Efficient End-Use Equipment (4E) has recently published a report as explained by Vikki Searancke on the 4E website.

4E Releases Update to Standards & Labelling Achievements Report

The latest report from 4E draws on over 150 individual evaluations to provide a comprehensive summary of the achievements of energy efficiency standards and labelling programs (EESL) for appliances and equipment.

The report can be downloaded here.

Amongst other key findings, the report noted that “The energy efficiency of major appliances in these countries have increased at more than three times the underlying rate of technology improvement” and that “long-term appliance purchase prices are generally declining in real terms while products are also becoming more efficient”.

Spanning nearly 50 countries and more than 30 product types, this report examines the impact of EESL Programs on:

• The energy efficiency of appliances over and above autonomous rates of change.
• National energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emmissions savings.
• The consumer purchase price of appliances and equipment.
• Co-benefits, such as employment, health and energy security.
• Manufacturing innovation and market transformation.

About:

IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Energy Efficient End-Use Equipment (4E)

Twelve countries from the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America have joined together under the forum of 4E to share information and transfer experience in order to support good policy development in the field of energy efficient appliances and equipment.

They recognise the huge benefits for energy security, economic development and greenhouse gas abatement from maximising the use of energy efficiency to meet future energy demand.

4E focuses on appliances and equipment since this is one of the largest and most rapidly expanding areas of energy consumption. With the growth in global trade in these products, 4E members find that pooling expertise is not only an efficient use of available funds, but results in outcomes that are far more comprehensive and authoritative.