Phase 1 of the APEC Cooperative Energy Efficiency Design for Sustainability (CEEDS) project focused on energy- efficient appliance standards and labeling (S&L) as one of the high-performance policies available to help APEC economies achieve the APEC-wide regional aspirational goal of reducing energy intensity at least 25 percent by 2030. CEEDS is a multi-year project aimed at promoting high-performance energy efficiency policy measures for APEC economies. Cost-effective S&L programs have the potential to save 1113 TWh of electricity and 327 TWh of fuel annually by 2020, and 3385 TWh of electricity plus 928 TWh of fuels by 2030. Translated into avoided greenhouse gas emissions, these potential energy savings from S&L worldwide would reduce emissions by 1 Gt of CO2 per year by 2030 (or 14 Gt cumulatively, from 2010-2030). To put these emissions reductions in context, achieving the full technical and economic potential of S&L would reduce residential CO2 emissions to 2005 levels by 2030 and maintain commercial emissions at current levels from now to 2030, offsetting global growth in population and economic activity.

Achieving these potential energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions, however, depends on aggressive implementation of cost-effective S&L programs in every economy. When testing the following categories: fans, fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, laundry, refrigeration, air conditioners, stand-by, television, and rice cookers, the potential savings from strong S&L programs for these 8 appliances and stand-by power could reduce residential sector base-case electricity demand in 2030 by 26% to 47%, depending on the economy. Additional savings would be possible for S&L programs extended to other residential appliances and to non-residential equipment such as large overyhead lighting, large air conditioners, motors, pumps, and electronic office equipment.

Characteristics of an Effective S&L:

• Clear legal authority
• Explicit criteria for standards
• Data and analysis to set program priorities
• Testing and product certification
• Compliance monitoring and enforcement
• Regular review & updates Stakeholder involvement
• Economy-specific label designs
• Consumer information and education
• Linking S&L with complementary energy efficiency programs

For details, challenges and opportunities, download the full report.