| IEE - SAVE | ||||
| IEE Key Actions | ||||
| IEE-VKA4-SAVE Energy efficient equipment and products | ||||
In 1999 European households used 68% of their energy consumption for space heating, 14% for water heating and 13% for electric appliances and lighting. While the share for space heating has been decreasing during the last 15 years, that of electric appliances has increased from 10 to 13%, which now represents more than half of the electricity they use. Considerable effort has been made to reduce the energy consumption of equipment and products, but changes in lifestyle have offset a large part of it. Office equipment is responsible for up to 40% of electricity consumed in an office building and this sector is growing in size and energy consumption.
EU policy to reduce energy consumption of equipment and products has been to integrate a set of instruments including labelling and certification schemes, minimum efficiency standards and negotiated agreements as well as technology procurement. This approach is more effective than just pursuing one aspect. A number of Directives deal with the provision of information and the minimum efficiency of various appliances and equipment. With the proposed Directive on establishing a framework for the setting of Eco-design requirements for Energy using Products11 the Commission proposes now to not only expand minimum efficiency requirements to all kind of energy using products but also to apply a life-cycle analysis approach when determining minimum efficiency standards and to broaden the approach to ecological requirements. In addition to the regulatory initiatives, voluntary agreements exist in relation to a number of types of appliances as do a number of other specific projects such as Energy+ and the Green Light Programme.
This key action covers electric appliances and equipment of all sectors. In addition it covers also heating and lighting systems and construction products. The overall objective of this key action is a higher market share for the most efficient equipment and products and to accelerate its market penetration. This will be achieved through actions to encourage the take up of these equipment and products as well as measures that increase quality and efficiency and lead to relatively reduced costs for equipment and products which will also support the competitiveness of European manufacturers.
The major contribution of this key action will be to support existing and new EU initiatives in this sector through integrated packages of measures, able to maximise the impact of these initiatives. The programme will continue to play its leading role in preparing and monitoring EU policy in this sector. While the first target area is focussing primarily on the users of equipment and products with awareness raising activities, the second target area addresses manufacturers and users equally.
The Target areas to be addressed are:
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