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Are refrigerators energivorous? Energy consumption: a subject ignored by the consumers

Panel: Panel 3: Dynamics of Consumption (social and cultural perspectives, actors and their interactions)

Authors:
Christophe Besley, CERTOP CNRS, Université de Toulouse le Mirail
Marie-Christine Zelem, CERTOP CNRS, Université de Toulouse le Mirail

Abstract

The energy efficeincy regulations implies the general mobilization of all the different players: The manufactures of refrigerators, distributors and consumers. Both their implication and awareness of the problem is the key to success of this measure. Unfortunately, the results of the study clearly show that neither manufactures nor distributors had put their effort to promote the label. As for the consumers, they did not show a strong reaction mainly because they had been given little information on the energy consumption of appliances and the energy label. Strong reservations expressed by the manufacturers can be explained by the fact that they do not approve of labels, that the "clandestine worker" which is the label questions their selling methods or that they are partisan of the wait-and-see policy when talking about changes in the customer's bying patterns. According to the manufacturers, they had not been informed of this new regulation nor had they been made aware of the energy-saving aspect of some appliances. They therefore did not pay much attention to the label; less important compared to the other choice criterias.

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