Sustainability at home: Policy measures for energy-efficient appliances

Abstract

Residential energy consumption is now an important component of total energy consumption and its related emissions. In addition,this consumption has significant potential for growth in both developed and developing countries, as average incomes increase, and domestic appliance numbers rise. Reduction in this energy use may be achieved both through conservation measures, and through increased efficiency in its use. This paper focuses on energy efficiency in appliances-those many devices through which household energy is consumed. The policy instruments available to promote the uptake of more efficient devices, and issues associated with their use, are reviewed, drawing on developed country experiences to date. The instruments available are more limited than in other energy applications, and largely comprise information dissemination, forms of subsidy, and regulation. The last is commonly used in the form of minimum energy performance standards. Assessment of the three instrument types and issues with their use suggests that regulation is the most important measure-albeit with several qualifications on the manner of its use. AbstractResidential energy consumption is now an important component of total energy consumption and its related emissions. In addition, this consumption has significant potential for growth in both developed and developing countries, as average incomes increase, and domestic appliance numbers rise. Reduction in this energy use may be achieved both through conservation measures, and through increased efficiency in its use. This paper focuses on energy efficiency in appliances -those many devices through which household energy is consumed. The policy instruments available to promote the uptake of more efficient devices, and issues associated with their use, are reviewed, drawing on developed country experiences to date. The instruments available are more limited than in other energy applications, and largely comprise information dissemination, forms of subsidy, and regulation. The last is commonly used in the form of Minimum Energy Performance Standards. Assessment of the three instrument types and issues with their use suggests that regulation is the most important measure -albeit with several qualifications on the manner of its use.

ICT entertainment appliances’ impact on domestic electricity consumption

“…According to a study of 1,300 households conducted in 12 European countries 1 by De Almeida et al [47], standby use corresponds to around 11% of the total energy consumption in the residential sector (not including space and water heating), equivalent to approximately 40W per household. This is consistent with studies conducted in Germany, Holland, the United States, and Australia which revealed that roughly 10% of domestic electricity use in these countries is due to standby power [20,46].…”

“…The corresponding residential electricity consumption per person ranges from 1.6 MWh/capita/year in the EU27 to 4.5 MWh/capita/year in the US, compared to the global average of 2.5 MWh/capita/year [20]. Electrical appliances and devices impact on household electricity consumption through the electric power that they consume, based on the amount of time each appliance is in use and the consumption mode.…”

A global review of energy consumption, CO 2 emissions and policy in the residential sector (with an overview of the top ten CO 2 emitting countries)

“…This rapid rise was observed because appliance ownership has increased in both the developed and developing countries. Furthermore, considering the relationship between income and appliance ownership, it can be predicted that increases in GDP per capita in most developing countries will lead to further major growth in appliance utilization [11,20].…”

“…1 demonstrates the percentage of total consumption that is residential in different regions of the world, which fluctuates from an average of 20% in the developed countries to more than 35% in the developing countries [10]. Residential energy demand is prominent both for its present size and potential growth [11].…”

Who Is Behaving? Consequences for Energy Policy of Concept Confusion

“…It was more common to treat energy consumers as individuals than as households. Six articles treated individuals as energy consumers [40][41][42][43][44][45], while five articles treated energy users as individuals [46][47][48][49][50].…”