Energy efficiency of office equipment – Proposal for a policy mix for Germany with an in-depth analysis of labelling strategies

Markus Duscha and Dominik Seebach, ifeu - Institute for Energy and Environmental Research

Keywords

energy efficiency, office equipment, policy mix, policy instruments, Germany, EU, Energy Star

Abstract

Research under contract with the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) identified a considerable energy saving potential fielding the area of office equipment. In this paper, a proposal for a policy mix is presented with the goal to increase energy efficiency by market-transformation in this sector. This was worked out by order of the UBA. Pending EU legislation like the Procurement Directive and the proposal for Eco-Design Directive have been considered. An in-depth analysis for labelling schemes for office equipment is provided with respect to the future of the Energy Star process, specifically the continuation of the Energy Star-cooperation between the U.S.EPA and the EU. Preliminary results gained after literature enquiry and interviews of experts were discussed during a workshop at the German Federal Environmental Ministry in September 2004.

Our proposal for a policy mix includes: public procurement, efficiency labelling, training and education, energy management in public and private institutions, mandatory minimum standards, marketing. The demand for high efficient appliances should initially be boosted by green procurement to trigger market transformation. In the field of efficiency labelling, we first analyse the shortcomings of previous strategies. On this basis, we propose a two level-strategy for Germany:

The Energy Star process with improved structures shall act as a widely compliable labelling minimum standard.
An information programme about high efficient appliances ("quality-programme") should be established basing on existing structures (Energy Star, GEEA, TopTen) to minimise transaction costs.