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CESA has been actively involved in ensuring the transformation of kitchen and other home electronic equipment into energy saving products. With the help of consumers, manufacturers and regional organizations in Europe, CESA has come up with a guideline to Eco design and energy labelling intended to clarify aims and objectives, and to explain their meaning to buyers.
However, there is a huge difference between the energy labelling directive and the Eco design directives stipulated under CESA. The Eco design directives are aimed at guiding manufacturers in developing more energy efficient models. On the other hand, energy labelling directives are geared at helping the buyer differentiate and choose the most energy efficient model in the market.
The body also wants people to get their facts straight when it comes to comprehending the Minimum Energy Performance (EMP). These are standards that should be passed by all the products sold in European Union countries. It is a mandatory requirement for all products to pass the EMP standards. All the products are required to have at least a G energy label.
Refrigeration is a common component of a modern kitchen, and it is among the kitchen equipment subjected to Eco design and energy labelling directives rolled out by CESA. All the professional refrigerated cabinets with single and double door counters are expected to undergo testing under the frameworks stipulated. They are also required to have energy labels at all times. This directive will take effect from 1st July 2016.
There will be two versions of energy labels, and manufacturers will have to choose which one they want to display on the equipment. The first one will have ratings from A to G. The second will have a rating from A+++ to G. These are present in form of an escalator. An escalator represents the planned upgrades in the energy efficiency standards. The energy labels are expected to change significantly in the escalator. For example, levels that were previously labelled A will topple to B and vice versa. However, CESA requires all the professional refrigerated cabinets to the second version starting from July 2019.
Comparing energy efficiency of both fridges won’t be easy because different manufactures have different methodologies for testing their products. Therefore, the labels on the product may slightly differ.
In order to get accurate results, run the same test under different conditions, and ensure the result reflects what will prevail in the real life situation. The guidelines on the tests are currently being hammered by the European Union, CESA, kitchen designers, consultants and other manufacturers. These parties are currently holding a number of meetings to decide on scientifically viable test standards to be followed. Also, they aim at creating a friendly environment that enables buyers to make the correct and sound judgment while choosing equipment with the best label in the store.
Since both parties are interested in giving consumers the best outcome possible, each category of the equipment will be thoroughly evaluated for any deformity and malfunction. Also, each testing will be done comprehensively with regard to the set standards for energy efficient products.
Many people get confused when it comes to knowing the importance of energy labelling on the equipment. First, energy labelling enables the buyer to make informed decisions that won’t leave him or her regretting. Since the directives also encompass robust testing procedure for the equipment while putting into consideration scientific reasoning and analytics, buyers can compare like for like on level grounds.
The system also comes in handy when considering the overall cost of the equipment for a long-term and short-term basis. The more energy efficient it is, the lower the cost of running the equipment. Also, there is an optional test that allows the buyer to choose a piece of equipment that has enhanced capital allowances. As a result, a buyer will have an upper hand in choosing economically friendly equipment from the shelf.
According to CESA, plans are underway to expand the scope of the directives. The directives will soon involve other refrigeration categories and ware washers. Unfortunately, the exact timeline for effecting the change has not been announced.
CESA require that all the products under the Eco design and energy labelling directives be tested by the manufacturer. The National Regulation and Measurement Office (NMRO) is tasked with carrying out independent spot checks on the equipment to ensure that the manufacturers adhere with the set standards requiring them to provide accurate information. NMRO should also ensure that the manufacturer provide ratings that are within the set limits.
EU has also been tasked with upholding ethical standards among manufacturers. For instance, it must punish those companies that file false claims by withdrawing their products from the distribution chain. Authorities in every country should work closely with EU to ensure that a ban in one EU country leads to a ban elsewhere.
Consumers are also tasked with reporting any product that does not adhere to the set energy efficiency standards, as displayed by the energy labels.