Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The following steps are required for the energy certification:
1. Develop methodologies for energy declaration of the buildings
2. Develop reference values (key numbers) and/or systems for
benchmarking
3. Provide a labelling system for selected buildings
4. Describe an energy signature for the building
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on electrical appliances
and equipment, energy consumption rapidly rises every year. Many pro-
grammes have been established in various countries to increase end-use
equipment energy efficiency. One of the most cost-effective and proven
methods for increasing energy efficiency of electrical appliances and equip-
ment is to establish energy efficiency standards and labels. Energy efficiency
standards are a set of procedures and regulations that prescribe the energy
performance of manufactured products, sometimes prohibiting the sale of
products less energy efficient than the minimum standard. The term 'stan-
dard' commonly encompasses two possible meanings:
1. A well-defined protocol (or laboratory test procedure) by which to
obtain a sufficiently accurate estimate of the energy performance of
a product in the way it is typically used or at least a relative ranking
of the energy performance compared to other models
2. A target limit on energy performance (usually a maximum use or
minimum efficiency) formally established by a government-based
agency upon a specified test standard
Energy efficiency labels are informative labels affixed to manufactured
products indicating a product's energy performance (usually in the form
of energy use, efficiency and/or cost) in order to provide consumers with
the data necessary for making informed purchases. Energy labels serve as a
complement to energy standards. They provide consumers with information
that allows those who care to be able to select more efficient models. Labels
also allow utility companies and government energy conservation agencies
to offer incentives to consumers to buy the most energy-efficient products.
The effectiveness of energy labels is highly dependent on how information
is presented to the consumer.
7.1.2 Rationale and Benefits
Energy efficiency in developed and developing countries plays an impor-
tant role in achieving global sustainable development. Energy consump-
tion is growing rapidly in these countries, yet energy efficiency remains far
below levels in developed countries. Energy efficiency improvements can
slow the growth in energy consumption, save consumers money and can
