Energy efficiency standards for consumer goods in China, Phase II

Since the year 2000 China has been in a phase of rapid economic development and it became the country with the world's biggest total volume of trade in 2012. The higher standard of urban living has made energy-using consumer products (electrical appliances, electronics, building components, and cars) available to a larger segment of the population. Subsequently, China has suffered from high energy import costs, severe power shortages and heavy air pollution in urban areas.

The existing Top10 China in Beijing will be further developed and expanded in order to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of market transformation activities for energy efficient products in China. This can be best achieved by a proactive policy dialogue with government decision makers, industry and retail marketing support, as well as extensive outreach to consumers and procurement agencies.

While the scope of Top10 China focusses on the strengthening of the existing core functions with its web-based database for Best Available Technology for consumer products, new projects and activities will also be developed and implemented.

Top10 China's core functions and the existing energy efficiency know-how will help to generate additional income to support public service activities such as up to date online product information and will cover additional important fields of potential energy savings.

Energy efficient products are identified and displayed.

Information transparency of product performance increased.

Ongoing know-how exchange between Chinese and European/Swiss experts.

Continuous policy dialogue with relavant governmental institutions.

Well established contacts and close cooperation with manufacturers and retailers.

Expected results:  

Continuous market research and updates for best available technology consumer products on the Chinese market.

Display the information in a user friendly way on internet web site www.top10.cn (accessible by desktop, notebook and smartphone) in English and Chinese.

Expand the outreach program for end consumers and large buyers, in print and electronic media and bilateral contacts with multipliers in industry, retail chains and procurement offices, and synergies with WWF global network.

Retail chains adopt Top10 China Label for best available technology (BAT) products.

Manufactures produce and sell BAT products.

Chinese government agencies adopt new rules for energy labels, procurement list and subsidy programs.

Results from previous phases:  

Amongst others, Top10 China achieved during the first phase the subsequent results. Top10 China :

- constructed and launched a website containing a database for Best Available Technology for consumer products.

- established close contacts to manufacturers and retailers and informed them on the energy efficiency of their products. Furthermore, a promising cooperation with China's largest retailer chain Gome could be established. Gome signed a MoU and is currently introducing Top10 China's energy efficiency label.

- was able to establish regular contacts and to foster a policy dialogue with relevant governmental institutions.

Phase 2 28.02.2014 - 30.04.2017   (Completed)