National energy efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) programs form an important element of most national energy efficiency policy portfolios. S&L programs are expanding in scope in response to the need for improved energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The study described in this paper focuses on the potential to improve the outcomes of S&L programs through ensuring that products within the scope of S&L programs adhere to the stated rules of these programs. This subject is often referred to as ‘compliance’ although it can also be broken down in a number of processes involving monitoring, verification and enforcement (MV&E).

There are numerous benefits associated with improving compliance rates in addition to increased energy savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. High compliance rates in S&L programs safeguard the investment made by governments in building consumers’ confidence in their voluntary and mandatory energy labels, as well as the investment made by suppliers of energy efficient products. Conversely, there is also a risk that high rates of non-compliance will erode confidence in S&L programs and energy efficiency programs generally, which can have severe long term consequences for efforts to achieve climate change policy objectives.

To highlight the strengths and weaknesses in MV&E processes amongst S&L programs, the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), with funding from Climate Works Foundation, initiated this survey spanning 14 countries. These included 30 mandatory and voluntary appliance S&L programs in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Tunisia, United Kingdom and USA. 

Author: Mark Ellis & Associates