There's been a flurry of news and comment pieces in the past few days on product energy efficiency requirements. In case you've missed them, here's a small selection.
The FT covered energy efficiency minimum requirements at least three times in just a few days. Following an article about TV efficiency standards in California, the paper told readers that India will set in January compulsory minimum efficiency standards for appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, tube lights and transformers. Next year, it will also set them for TVs and stoves.
However, and perhaps more strikingly, a few days later it published an editorial which seemed to express concerns about these efficiency requirements in Europe, as they may "pull the plug on utilities". So the Eco Design Directive process has made it into financial analysts reports (the FT refers to an Exane BNP Paribas utility market briefing). The FT says that "many investors appear to be ignoring what seems to be an acceleration in Europe's energy drive as the eco-efficiency directive is beginning to bite". Interesting...
A few days ago, we also also heard that UNEP is leading on a global phase out of inefficient lightbulbs.
In the meantime, the Guardian published a useful reminder of why energy efficient lighting is a good thing.
In addition, congratulations to campaign partners Natuur en Milieu who've achieved substantial media coverage in the Netherlands on air conditioning requirements in the Eco Design Directive.