UN launches global alliance for energy-efficient appliances

A switch to energy-efficient appliances and equipment would reduce global electricity consumption by more than 10%, cutting US$350bn (£214bn) off annual electricity bills and reducing global CO2 emissions by 1.25 billion tonnes.


That’s according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has announced a new initiative to accelerate the transition to more efficient appliances in a bid to reduce global energy demand and mitigate climate change.

The Efficient Appliances and Equipment Partnership will promote the benefits of efficient lighting, air-conditioners, refrigerators, electric motors, distribution transformers among others.

Implementation

UNEP executive director Achim Steiner said: “Energy-efficient technologies, the know-how and policy frameworks required to reduce CO2 emission levels to a level consistent with the 2°C target are available and ready for deployment. This new partnership will help implement and accelerate this process.”

The initiative will provide tailored assistance to governments for the development and implementation of national and regional strategies that facilitate the permanent transition to energy-efficient products.

Its aim to accelerate the uptake of energy-efficient appliances and equipment is supported by edie’s recent Energy Managers survey, which discovered that 79% of business energy managers would be looking to upgrade to more efficient equipment in the coming year. That report also highlighted efficient lighting systems as the number-one focus for company energy managers going forward.

Earlier this month, EU efficiency regulations banned any vacuum cleaners with motors greater than 1,600 watts, as part of the Ecodesign for Energy-Using Products and Energy Labelling directive. The rules intend to reduce EU electricity consumption by 19 TWh by 2020 and to inspire designers to build more energy-efficient devices.

Brad Allen

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