Homespeed: the pan-European database for energy-efficient appliances, consumer electronics and office equipment

Panel: Panel 2. Comfort and energy use in buildings

Authors:
Catelijne van de Moosdijk-Hendriks, Novem
Hans-Paul Siderius, Novem
Marion Bakkerm, Novem

Abstract

The market for appliances is becoming increasingly a European market. Consumers are also becoming more aware of energy and environmental issues regarding the equipment they purchase. In order to supply consumers comprehensive information on energy efficient household appliances, consumer electronics and office equipment a pan-European database has been developed. The pan-European database was started in a SAVE 2001 project in which five European countries participated (The Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden and United Kingdom). Recently the project has been expanded to include six more countries (Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Romania, and Finland).

The pan-European database is publicly available on a European website (www.homespeed.org) and can be (partly) downloaded to be used for other public, non-commercial initiatives. Since there are cultural and language differences between the participating countries, the data will be disseminated to consumers via national Websites. Promotion will also be done on a national or regional level.

This paper provides a description of the principles, structure and functionality of the pan-European database. An overview of the national activities and results of the data dissemination in the participating countries is given. Furthermore, attention is paid to the possibilities for extension of the pan-European database principle and co-operation with manufacturers.