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2 5 Introduction Energy-consuming products (computers, TVs and washing machines) make peoples 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

3 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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

4 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances What is the EU doing? Energy Star Regulation (EC No. 2422/2001) voluntary US-EU agreement for labelling requirements for ICT equipment in offices Commissions 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 /e_server.pdf

5 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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

6 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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 CO 2 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:

7 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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 companys energy consumption and bills

8 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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 companys 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

9 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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

10 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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: (page ten)

11 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances 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)

12 5 Energy efficient equipment and appliances More information?