Measures Database
| ENERGY: EFFICIENT DOMESTIC APPLIANCES |
Fit as standard* Applicable to all sites Low cost* Easy implementation EcoHomes credits achievable *If appliances are being provided by the developer |
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Description |
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 Appliances with an ‘A’ rating from the European Community Energy Label scheme are the most energy efficient appliances available. The European Ecolabel indicates that the product has been independently assessed and found to meet strict environmental criteria (considering more than just energy consumption), putting it among the best in its class, in terms of its environmental performance.‘A’ rated products are the most efficient and ‘G’ rated products are the least efficient. The label is intended to promote the purchase of more energy efficient electronic goods. |
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Cost |
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| Depending on the specific make, model and type of appliance an A rated product may be more expensive to purchase than lesser rated appliances although this differential is decreasing and in some cases there will be no differential. | |
Benefits |
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Local Authorities |
Local authorities have targets to reduce domestic energy use by improving their own managed housing stock and encouraging others to implement sustainable energy measures. Savings can be made with limited financial outlay by educating tenants on simple ways to reduce their own fuel bills. Installing energy efficient white goods in homes of the fuel poor, could help bring families out of fuel poverty (through decreased fuel bills). |
Global Environment |
Reduced electricity use (assuming the electricity is sourced from the National Grid) will result in reduced CO2 emissions. Reducing water demand will ease pressure on water resources during drier summers forecast for the future, as a result of climate change. |
Occupier |
Householders will benefit from reduced running costs associated with use of less electricity and water. If it is assumed that an A rated fridge freezer and A rated washing machine are used in preference to the typical average UK appliance purchased, the annual saving in energy use is around 224KWh/year, with a value of energy saved of around £14/year. |
Developer |
Providing ‘A rated’ domestic appliances, or where no appliances are provided supplying information about their availability, can gain credit in an EcoHomes assessment. Developers may be able to get a discount on A rated white goods under the Energy Efficiency Commitment scheme (through energy suppliers). |
Implementation notes |
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| There is little initial cost differential between ‘A rated’ appliances and less efficient (lower rated) models. Therefore the most significant barrier to this measure is education/public awareness. The eco labelling scheme should be promoted to ensure occupiers are aware of the potential environmental and cost benefits. Developers should request an A rated appliance package from suppliers and distributors where they are fitting appliances as standard. | |
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