Labelling Domestic Ovens (Save Study 4.1031/D/97-047)

Abstract

The European Union, through its SAVE II programme, aims at promoting the rational use of energy within the community. SAVE II is a non-technological programme with many elements, among others labelling, standardisation and other actions in the area of energy-using equipment. This report summarises the results of the Working Group on Efficient Domestic Ovens. The purpose of this study is to identify possible EU Commission actions to improve the efficiency of domestic electric and gas ovens and to develop a common basis for possible national actions. The study focuses on conventional domestic ovens only. Other ways of cooking, such as hobs, microwave ovens, grills and electric kettles are not taken into consideration. Possibilities for and impacts of fuel switching are also outside the scope of this study. However, a wide range of possibilities to improve energy efficiency, and related policy options, are discussed in a qualitative way, to give a more complete picture of ovens in the context of climate policies.

The study, financed by the SAVE II Programme (with supplementary financing from NOVEM for the Dutch partner) was carried out in 1998–1999 by research teams from eight countries. Representatives of NOVEM and CECED as well as those of the relevant working groups of CENELEC (CLC/TC 59X/WG3) and CEN (CEN/TC 49/WG2) have participated in the meetings. CECED has also provided data for a number of tasks.

The work was organised in six tasks. The aim of Task 1 was to establish the real life energy consumption of the ovens concerned, as opposed to the energy consumption according to the test standard. Task 2 was to provide a statistical analysis of the European gas and electric ovens market. The purpose of Task 3 was to review, identifi, and analyse energy-saving design options for domestic ovens. Task 4 was to assess the environmental impacts of scenarios concerning the efficiency improvements of domestic ovens. A stock model methodology was used. Task 5 aimed at analysing the different impacts of efficiency policies on manufacturers.

The aim of Task 6 was to give the information necessary to develop an appropriate mix of policies. The focus is on actions at EU level. The following policy options were analysed:

• EU energy labels which are warranted for domestic ovens through directive no 92/75/EEC;

• mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards;

• as an alternative to the latter, the acceptance by the EU of a voluntary initiative of the European White Goods industry to phase out ovens with a consumption higher than a certain value and/or to reach a certain average energy consumption of the appliances sold;

• co-operative procurement (technology or market procurement);

• national policies which could supplement EU policy are also analysed qualitatively.