The UK government on Friday (June 12, 2009) met with manufacturers to get their views on how to implement minimum energy standards for simple electrical products that will be affected by policies being set by the European Union (EU).

“Energy-using products” (EuP) include items such as simple set top boxes, external power supplies, tertiary lighting and household lighting. The EU’s EuP standards require manufacturers to reduce the energy consumption of their appliances even at the design stage.

Such “eco-design” for EuPs like televisions, washing machines, and refrigerators have already been introduced, with more to follow.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the consultation was made to ensure that manufacturers can “compete in a fair environment” and that consumers are guaranteed products that meet the mandatory minimum energy performance.

At the consultation, the DEFRA said that smarter eco-design for all kinds of EuPs could save the country as much as GBP900 million ($1.47 billion). The EU had earlier estimated that implementing eco-design for EuPs can reduce EU energy use by 10%.

"It is really important that we hear from businesses and manufacturers to get a well rounded view of how we can enforce and check on the energy standards of products,” new Environment Minister Dan Norris said.

The UK government said it is estimated that 15% of products across Europe do not comply with existing energy performance standards.

In March, new efficiency design rules for electric motors used in different industries were drafted by the EU, followed by the adoption of new rules governing electricity consumption of the power supply for laptops, mobile phones, and MP3 players the next month.

-  Eric Dorente

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