Findings of the Cold II SAVE study to revise cold appliance energy labelling and standards in the EU

Panel: Panel 5: Energy Efficiency Markets & Financing Mechanisms

Author:
Paul Waide, PW Consulting

Abstract

Cold appliances account for ~17.4% of residential electricity consumption in the EU. Following the introduction of energy labelling in 1995 and minimum energy performance standards in September 1999, the average efficiency of new models improved by ~27%; however, this value is still someway short of the least life-cycle cost potential identified by the GEA study in 1993. In 1998 a new SAVE study, known as Cold II, was launched to investigate technical issues underpinning the revision of the energy label and the establishment of new efficiency thresholds.

The current paper presents the findings of that study, particularly those aspects concerning the market trends, technology developments, energy-engineering analyses and labelling structural criteria that were identified within it. The resulting policy recommendations derived from this analysis are also summarised.