Energy
Codes and
Standards
Worldwide

"We assist developing countries in the creation and application of energy efficiency standards and labels, an essential element in any government's portfolio of energy-efficiency policies and climate change mitigation programs. These have the potential to reduce global energy consumption in buildings in the year 2030 by 25%."

John Busch

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About Energy Codes and Standards Worldwide | Projects | Publications | Staff/Contacts
Berkeley Lab is the technical and analytical center for the perfomance of analyses used by the U.S. DOE to set standards for appliance and lighting energy efficiency. We are also at the heart of efforts to infuse energy-efficient electric motors into the U.S. market through the Motor Challenge Program. Berkeley Lab is a world-renowned center of expertise in building energy-consumption analysis, and energy efficiency technologies. We have extensive experience in the international arena, particularly in energy standards, and have worked closely with the following governments: Australia, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, the European Union, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and Thailand.


 Why Standards?
Mandating appliance, lighting, motor, and building energy performance requirements offers national governments important benefits:

Benefit 1. With efficient appliances, countries can enhance the overall efficiency of their national economy. For example, Berkeley Lab analysis shows that if improvements in energy efficiency averted 20% of Pakistan's projected energy demand over the next 25 years, Pakistan would need U.S. $10 billion less in hard currency for capital investments in power plants, transmission lines, and fuel. The country's electricity-to-GDP growth-rate ratio would drop from the currently unsustainable range of 1.0 to 1.5 to a more acceptable range of 0.8 to 1.2, freeing up valuable capital for important social and economic investments.

Benefit 2. By boosting energy efficiency, standards also enhance consumer welfare. In the U.S., the number of refrigerator models and features available to consumers has increased with standards in place, and standards have had a lower than expected impact on prices. The average cost of operating a new refrigerator in the U.S. has dropped by 60%, in spite of the enhanced features and increased sizes.

Benefit 3. Efficiency standards and improved products can make local businesses more profitable and make local appliance, lighting, and motor manufacturers more competitive in the global marketplace.

Benefit 4. Efficiency standards can help a country meet climate change goals and avert urban/regional pollution. Reducing energy consumption decreases both carbon and other emissions from fossil-fueled power plants.

Global Carbon Savings in Buildings from Standards

(Source: LBNL and IPCC, 1996.)


Buildings
Buildings typically last 50-100 years, so their energy performance has an enduring effect. We can assist governments in designing and implementing an effective building energy standard that addresses: the diversity of participants in the creation and use of energy-consuming products, the technical complexities in analysis and design, the institutional requirements for implementation, the cultural barriers to understanding and accepting the standards, and the training of professionals and code officials.

This map shows the status of efficiency standards around the globe. By 1999 twenty-two countries will have mandatory standards, three will have voluntary standards, and many others will have proposed or be considering standards.

Status of Buildings Standards

Appliances, Lighting, and Electric Motors
Appliances, lighting equipment, and electric motors are important energy-consuming products in all countries. Transforming the markets for these products requires sensitivity to the interests of manufacturers, importers, distributors, consumers, and others.

We can help governments:

The map shows the status of appliance efficiency standards around the globe. Efficiency labels in Thailand, for example, help consumers make intelligent choices about new refrigerators.

Status of Appliance Standards

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