Appliances and Climate Change

Appliances and energy consuming equipment greatly contribute to the quality of life. They keep indoor environment warm in winter and cool in summer. They provide us with the lighting, music, entertainment. They allow short or long range communication. They have the potential to save us time and relieve families from many tasks such as pumping water, laundry cleaning, food processing and cooking.

Worldwide, the use of energy in human activities related to the use of appliances, equipment, and lighting is estimated to accounts for 34% of total energy consumption. This energy consumption corresponds to about 25-30% of energy -related CO2 emissions, accounting for 19-22% of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions and 10-12% of the net contribution to climate change from all greenhouse gases. On average, the energy use for appliances in buildings is growing by 0.8% per year worldwide but at much higher rates in many developing countries up to 8.9% in the commercial sector of the Pacific Asian nations. Throughout the developing world, growth in demand for power is straining an already inadequate energy infrastructure, causing environmental damage and hindering economic growth. World demand for major appliances and equipment ranging from water pumping, refrigerators, lighting to TV sets and will continue to increase.

The growth of appliance energy demand and its associated greenhouse gas emission is not inevitable. Improving the energy efficiency of each appliances and equipment being brought to the market can avoid unnecessary greenhouse gas emission while saving consumersÁ money through lower energy bills.

By adopting numerous improved technologies and design, there is substantial potential to reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from residential appliances and commercial equipment. Standards and Labels are recognized as the most relevant policy instruments to transform the market of such end-use products and thus contribute to meeting current and future greenhouse gas emission targets. Most importantly, these savings can be achieved at negative cost to society. This is not to say the savings are free, but rather that the extra costs of improving appliance energy efficiency are more than offset by savings in running costs over the applianceÁs life.

A comprehensive basket of policies supported by an active and effective institutional framework, based on a solid foundation of minimum energy performance standards and labeling, is likely to be the most effective approach. Different policies may be required for different end-uses and markets, therefore policy must always be designed on the basis of real market information.

Many studies have analyzed the link between appliances energy efficiency and climate change.

Free Download are available from the International Energy Agency

And also at:

• www.clasponline.org
• www.greenhouse.gov.au/appliances/
• www.aceee.org
• www.eceee.org

S&L International Collaboration to enhance climate change mitigation

International collaboration and co-operation on appliance policy are becoming increasingly important and require attention and support. With increasing globalization of appliance and technology markets, international collaboration and co-operation on appliance energy policy are becoming an essential element of product markets. This is particularly the case for well known equipment such as domestic refrigerators, air conditioners, lighting products and information and communication technologies. Efforts should be made to harmonize internationally product test protocols, standards and labels Greater transparency and comparability in appliance energy performance standards, test procedures and labeling would bring benefits for producers, consumers and governments alike.