Asia’s use of energy will continue to dramatically increase unless changes in energy-consuming infrastructure are made. One of the most effective and proven tools for increasing energy efficiency is establishing energy efficiency standards and labels. Several countries in Asia have successfully established standards and labeling programs, employing creative and culturally-adapted methods that serve as models for the world.

The time is opportune for accelerated development of standards regimes in Asia. The recent economic downturn in Asia provides an opportunity for building energy-efficient infrastructure, such as more efficient household appliances and industrial motors. Demand for these energy-consuming devices will temporarily decline as many Southeast Asian economies contract. This provides a window of time for governments to draft legislation and manufacturers to adjust production lines. In the long-term, these investments in energy efficiency will aid Asian nations in their struggles to 1) retain foreign reserves by reducing demand for petroleum and capital for power plant construction; 2) recapture former economic development rates by reducing national energy intensity; and 3) protect national and international ecosystems.

This book scans standards and labeling activities in twelve Asian countries. We provide technical and policy information on the programs in the hopes that successes can be replicated across nations. We also assess the need for enhanced technical and financial resources to strengthen current activities or initiate new ones in each developing country.

Authors: Kristina Egan and Peter du Pont

Information from: International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC)