Driving market transformation and international collaboration through the super-efficient equipment and appliance deployment (SEAD) initiative

Panel: 1. Foundations of future energy policy

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Gabrielle Dreyfus, US Department of Energy, USA
Kavita Ravi, U.S. Department of Energy, USA
Matthew Wittenstein, U.S. Department of Energy, USA
Stephen Pantano, Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program, USA
Amol Phadke, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, USA
Michael McNeil, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, USA
Mark Friedrichs, U.S. Department of Energy, USA
Robert van Buskirk, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA

Abstract

The Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative facilitates collaboration, coordination, and information sharing on appliance and equipment energy efficiency policies and programs among sixteen participating governments to accelerate our transition to a clean energy future. Using the Bottom-Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS) developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in collaboration with the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), we show that SEAD activities cover end-uses representing approximately 50% of the estimated technical potential energy savings in the residential sector and 77% of the technical potential energy savings in the industrial and commercial sectors. We describe how SEAD partners are working together to achieve these potential savings through activities designed to: (1) “raise the efficiency ceiling” by pulling super-efficient appliances and equipment into the market through cooperation on measures like awards, procurement, and incentives; (2) “raise the efficiency floor” by working together to bolster national or regional policies like minimum efficiency standards and labeling programs; and (3) “strengthen the foundations” of programs through coordinated cross-cutting technical analysis work to support these activities. Thirteen standards or policies that directly advance the energy efficiency of lighting, televisions, and ceiling fans have either been adopted or proposed as a direct result of the SEAD initiative and the peer-to-peer exchange fostered by the Clean Energy Ministerial.