The UAE government is embracing clean energy initiatives with the implementation of an energy ratings system to be incorporated acrosshousehold appliances, air conditioning systems and lighting.
The Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (ESMA) has passed into legislation and implemented the first phase of the new Energy Rating system to grade the energy consumption of products using a star rating system - setting a benchmark for energy efficiency.
ESMA consulted industry extensively to create the programme and Bosch Home Appliances worked closely with the agency to develop the standards for washing machines and laundry.
The move is expected to save the government Dh400 million a year by 2016 from energy savings on air conditioning units alone.
Based on a star rating system, the new energy rating system is similar to that used in Australasia, but has been created specifically for the UAE - and wider
GCC - to account for the more extreme temperatures.
The energy rating will be displayed on a label to helpbuyers compare between models and choose the most energy-efficient appliance that suits their needs. The labels will provide information on how much electricity an appliance uses in a year, plus the star rating to show how energy efficient it is.
Director of the ESMA Conformity Affairs Department, Abdulla Abdelqadir Al Maeeni, explains why this rating system is essential to improving the energy efficiency of appliances and productssuch as washing machines, residential AC and fridge/freezers,and will have significant economic and environmental benefits for the UAE.
"As a provider and subsidiser of energy this is a very important step for the government, as it will free up resources that will in turn contribute to the growth of the economy," he says. "The benefits to the environment are expected to be wide reaching and cut the country's CO2 emissions significantly once the scheme is fully implemented.
"We are committed to this initiative and products that do not have a star rating will not be allowed into the UAE. Those products sold here will all have the energy rating labels to help consumers choose energy efficient products that will save energy and reduce theirown energy costs."
Manufactures themselves are happy with the new regulations, saying the rating system makes it easy for consumers to chose the best appliance for their needs.
"Bosch Home Appliances worked closely with ESMA to develop the standards for washing machines and laundry," says Bosch Marketing Director Georg Kazantzidis.
"Manufacturers accept we need to take responsibility for the social and environmental impacts of our products, and thismeans helping customers use them more sustainably.
"Appliances can account for up to 30 per cent of your home energy use and, as our reliance on electrical appliances increases and energy consumption also go up, selecting energy-efficient products becomes even more important.
"In the past there was no regulation and no standard, so some manufacturers could offer anything and say it was energy efficient but there was no way for the consumer to validate this. With the new system, consumers are going to be able to tell with one look which appliances really are efficient."
The first products required to adhere to the energy ratings system were residential air conditioning units,when compliance became mandatory earlier this year. Washing machines will need to meet energy rating standards from June 2013, after legislation was passed in early April.
Other products currently being addressed by the ESMA board are expected to be passed into legislation and implemented over the coming months include cooling and refrigeration products, lights, water heaters, motors and water pumps.
Implementation of the star rating system is mandatory and the government is encouraging manufacturers to produce higher quality products.Manufacturers and importers of lower rated products will be charged fees according to the star rating of the product:
Star Rating: Fee (AED):
One Seven
Two Five
Three Three
Four One
Five Zero
The energy star rating system is just one part of an overall system being implemented by the government that combines building codes and energy efficient glass solutions with energy ratings to create a system to monitor and reduce overall consumption of energy. The government hopes to make the energy rating system the standard for the region and implement it across the GCC.
Bosch Domestic Appliances recently launched the Green Star campaign, an environmental initiative aimed at promoting sustainability by encouraging communities to take simple steps in their everyday lives to save resources and become a 'Green Star'.
Reaching out to UAE schools through a roadshow, the campaign is also open to people from all corners of the community via its 'I am a Green Star' facebook page and competition. Participants have the opportunity to demonstrate how they're being 'Green Stars' in their everyday lives on the dedicated app where anyone can upload a photograph demonstrating how they are being sustainable or making a positive difference to the UAE environment, with winners receiving a super-efficient - 5 star rated - Bosch home appliance, designed to save water and energy usage.
For more media information please contact Michael Campbell at IHC for Bosch on +971 56 7416533 or michael@ih-c.com
Bosch Home Appliances supports the use of green technology and the efficient use of resources. The Green Technology Inside (GTI) appliances are Bosch's super-efficient appliances,achieving top performance. Bosch Home Appliances Middle East actively supports a number of local charity initiatives including the Make-A-Wish foundation and 'Clean up Dubai'.
- A reported 23 per cent of water used in the UAE is domestic and with average daily water usage of 550 litres per day in the UAE - over double the global average of 250 (Source: Dubai Energy & Water Authority 2011)
© Press Release 2013
