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Energy Efficiency Action Plan |
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| › Energy Efficiency Action Plan - Commercial Refrigeration |
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| Background |
On 19 October, 2006, the European Commission (EC) issued this package of 75 measures to provide minimum performance standards for highly energy-intensive industries, such as transport, buildings, energy generation and appliances. The main target is to save 20% of energy by 2020 - on top of achievements by price effects, structural changes and measures already in place.
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The Action Plan is based on the 2006 Green Paper "A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy" and the 2005 Green Paper on Energy Efficiency. Its policies and measures were developed during consultations with stakeholders and approved by Head of States at their high-level meeting in spring 2007.
Once the Action Plan enters into force, it will serve as a basis for policy instruments at national, regional and local level over a six-year period.
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| Impact on Commercial Refrigeration |
Within the EU package, several Priority Actions target the performance of refrigeration equipment. Proposed measures affecting the refrigeration industry, operators and consumers include:
- Eco-Design Directive: The Action Plan coordinates eco-design requirements – the integration of environmental considerations at the design phase - as well as labelling, incentive, information and rebate schemes. The European Commission working group has defined 14 priority product groups to become subject to early eco-design standards. One group targets commercial refrigerators and freezers, including chillers, display cabinets and vending machines.
- Labelling Directive: Under the Eco-Design and Labelling Directive, the EC will update and implement labelling and minimum energy performance standards for appliances by the end of 2008. The Framework Directive on Labelling will be reviewed to include commercial refrigeration equipment. Existing labelling classifications will be upgraded. The labelling requirements are complementary to those of the F-Gases Regulation.
- Taxation: The EC will prepare a Green Paper on indirect taxation and review the Energy Tax Directive to facilitate a more targeted use of energy taxation by integrating energy efficiency considerations and environmental aspects. It will also consider tax credits for producers of energy-efficient appliances and equipment, as well as for consumers purchasing them.
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| Targets |
The EC aims at reducing the direct cost of energy consumption by more than €100 billion and CO2 emissions by 780 million tonnes annually by 2020. This would double the EU reductions needed under the Kyoto Protocol by 2012.
To achieve this, the Action Plan mentions performance ratings, economic incentives, price signals and the education of consumers as appropriate tools. Framework agreements with key external trading partner countries and international organisations, including Brazil, China, India, Japan, Russia and the United States, will complement the set of measures.
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| Official documents |
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| Latest & Next steps |
In December 2007, the final report from the working group for Commercial Refrigeration became available. CO2 Technology is mentioned as a viable alternative to current systems.
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| More information: |
 Final Report Working Group Commercial refrigerators and freezers (7 MB)
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