Energy efficiency standards for consumer goods in China, Phase I

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs' (SECO) contribution of CHF 2'550'000 aims to increase the standards of the energy efficiency of consumer goods (appliances, cars) in China through the market introduction of an internet information platform Topten China. It includes the continuous actualization of the relevant product information during three years from 2011 to 2013 and the capacity building with Chinese partners for the planned independent and sustainable continuation of the operation. Topten lists the 10 most energy efficient products for a given product category available on the national market.

The project goal is to shift the average energy consumption of newly sold appliances and cars in China towards more efficient products thus contributing to sustainable growth and climate change mitigation (reduced CO2 emissions). The program will achieve this goal by informing end-users and institutional large buyers, retailers and manufacturers on best available technology. Furthermore, by directly providing information on international benchmarks to government agencies that are involved in setting product standards and labels, manage procurement and rebate programs and set Minimum Energy Performance Standards MEPS.

Top10 China supports the following outcomes:

1) Consumers give preference to more energy efficient products in their purchases.

2) Manufacturers produce more energy efficient products.

3) Public and private procurement agencies increasingly list and buy more energy efficient products.

4) Retailers increasingly offer more efficient products.

5) Repeatability and accuracy of energy performance testing results is secured.

6) Policies include internationally harmonized testing and classification standards as well as improved national performance regulations and these policies/standards are enforced.

Expected results:  

1) Market transparency of product performance.

2) Topten product information available for multipliers (manufacturers, retailers) and institutional consumers (large public and private buyers).

3) Topten product information for individual consumers (households, offices).

4) Know-how exchange between Chinese and European/Swiss university research and testing laboratories. Network for conformity and Round Robin tests established.

5) Policy makers are informed on international product energy standards.

Phase 1 01.07.2011 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)