European household appliance manufacturers will not update voluntary agreements on product energy efficiency. A worldwide approach to product energy efficiency is called for.

• European household appliances manufacturers have decided not to update their voluntary agreements on energy efficiency of household appliances. Instead legislation is needed.
• 22 Million tons of CO2 emissions could be avoided every year by replacing installed appliances in the EU that are older than 10 years.
• International institutions like WTO and the World Bank should be involved to ensure that energy efficient appliances are installed from the outset in households in developing countries. It makes no sense that outdated and inefficient technology stays in use for decades to come.
• Enforcement of rules and legislation need to be strengthened.

One day in advance of the International Conference “Energy Efficiency: Shaping Tomorrow's World” (in Berlin within the framework of the German EU and G8 Presidencies):
The home appliances manufacturers in Europe, represented by industry association CECED, called today in Berlin for a worldwide approach to energy efficiency. Three executives of European manufacturers stressed the need for replacement of old, inefficient appliances still in use with state-of-the-art energy efficient appliances. For homes buying their first appliances, energy efficient appliances should be the only choice. This is particularly important in developing countries so that we avoid adding to the current stock of energy thirsty appliances that will stay in use for decades. They also underlined that enforcement of legislation is urgent to secure a real reduction of CO2 emissions and to secure fair competition.

“We call upon policy-makers in Europe and other countries to initiate programs that increase consumers’ awareness and speed up the diffusion of the available state of the art technology into the households,” said Luigi Meli, CECED director general.

Viktor Sundberg, Electrolux Vice President underlined that governments have a huge potential available for CO2 emission reduction. “22 million tonnes of CO2 emissions could be avoided every year in Europe by replacing 188 million obsolete and energy inefficient appliances that are still in use. The situation is even more dramatic at the global level. Policy needs to change direction and no longer only focus on criteria for new products, but also the replacement of old products.”

Ralf-Jürgen Striek, Vice-President of Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte stated that household manufacturers have decided not to renew their long-existing voluntary agreement and call for clear European legislation if new minimum energy efficiency limits are to be established.
Industry supports the development of international measurement standards that allows better comparison of products and policies. “We have to create a positive international scenario where companies can compete for the best. The development of international measurement standards will help to cancel any artificial barrier that would limit the full access of the best available technology in any household.” said Mr. Striek.

Whirlpool Vice President Irene Bellew pointed out: “Achieving ambitious energy efficiency objectives and ensuring effective enforcement of laws are two sides of the same coin. We can’t meet and deliver on environmental targets without effective global action against dishonest producers and free riders”, she continued: “Bilateral free trade agreements should establish a principle of shared responsibility between the authorities of the involved countries to secure the conformity of the traded goods. In case of challenges the burden of proof should rest with the exporting country. Coordinated measures are needed against eco-dumping and free riding to secure worldwide fair trade.” Mrs Bellew also highlighted the need for the World Trade Organisation and the World Bank to promote energy efficient technology globally.

Industry executives call for transparency and stakeholder involvement in the discussion that is gaining momentum in G8 and at other international negotiation tables.