Refrigeration and air conditioning have been given priority status by the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program, a cross jurisdictional initiative established to deliver energy efficiency standards and labelling for products sold into the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Details of the E3 Prioritisation Plan were announced today.
Under the plan, specific product areas critical to ensuring that opportunities to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lower energy costs have been identified for immediate action.
The plan identifies how the E3 work program can accelerate policy development and focus on regulating products that will deliver the most benefits in the short term.
Six priority areas have been identified in the plan for E3’s immediate focus: lighting, non-domestic fans, swimming pool pumps, refrigerated storage and display cabinets, air conditioning (including chillers), and, fridges and freezers.
Australia's National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP) has set a target of increasing national energy productivity by up to 40 per cent by 2030.
The E3 program recognises that regulatory changes with the potential for higher annual net benefit should be delivered as soon as possible which is why projects that deliver increased levels of emissions abatement have been identified.
Resources will be directed to completing consultation on a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for non-domestic fans and to explore aligning products with EU standards. The E3 program is also examining the benefits of labelling requirements for swimming pool pumps.
Enhanced zoned energy ratings for air conditioners will be a priority as well as including the National Construction Code MEPS requirements for air conditioners and chillers under the E3 program.