Constrain energy consumption
Constraining energy consumption of lighting and appliances
Minimum standards need to be set for lighting and appliances, as these would greatly aid the market transformation towards the use of highly energy efficient products. Market transformation can happen relatively quickly in this area because there is a short replacement cycle for these products. Strong European Union policies have an important role in restricting manufacturers to design energy efficient products as well as encouraging consumers to purchase these products. The European Energy-Using Products Directive is one policy opportunity, which requires better product design by manufacturers. The Europe-wide energy-labelling scheme has achieved considerable success in promoting and encouraging consumers to purchase energy efficient products. However, the labelling scheme could deliver substantially more energy savings if it were based on absolute energy consumption. The UK government needs to advocate for European policies with strong minimum standards for lighting and appliances to ensure energy consumption is constrained.
