Top Runner in Europe? Inspiration from Japan for EU ecodesign implementing measures

P.J.S. (Hans-Paul) Siderius, SenterNovem, The Netherlands
H. Nakagami, Jyukankyo Research Institute, Japan

Keywords

energy policy, minimum efficiency standards, eco-design, appliances, Top Runner

Abstract

Top Runner is a Japanese programme addressing energy use in the transport, commercial and private sectors. Since the beginning of the programme in 1999, mandatory standards have been set for a variety of products. The programme is effective in the sense that, in general, the standards have been met.

The appeal of the Top Runner approach is embedded in its clear and simple goal: go for the best; the product on the market with the highest energy efficiency (the Top Runner) sets the standard. Moreover the scheme is dynamic: once the date is reached by which time the standard should be implemented, market data is analysed to select the next Top Runner.

Review of the main characteristics of the Top Runner programme does not show insurmountable barriers for using the Top Runner approach in Europe. On the other hand it is unlikely that an exact copy of the Top Runner programme could be successfully implemented in Europe. Especially the fleet average approach (i.e. not individual products but the sales weighted averages of products of a manufacturer have to meet the standard) does not seem appropriate for a mandatory instrument in Europe.

The Top Runner approach can in principle be achieved in Europe by adopting specific implementing measures within the framework of the Ecodesign Directve. A separate “Top Runner” Directive is not needed. However, the Top Runner approach contains valuable lessons for the Ecodesign approach: