In India, appliances provide critical services like cooking and cooling to the 1.4 billion people living across the country, but the country is also the world’s fourth highest emitter in the appliance sector. As the nation grapples with the challenges of increasing energy demand, appliance efficiency policies are crucial tools to meet climate targets and ensure sustainable development.
India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) spearheaded the formulation of 15 appliance efficiency policies in 2023. The policies cover all sections, from essential household appliances to industrial equipment. This unprecedented pace of policymaking, more than doubling previous records, underscores India’s urgency and commitment to meet its energy efficiency targets.
In a press release following the National Energy Conservation Awards ceremony, the Ministry of Power noted, “The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh said that the programmes of BEE such as Perform Achieve Trade and STAR Labelling Programme have been world-leading programmes, leading to substantial reduction in carbon emissions and helping India achieve its climate action targets.”
CLASP provided extensive technical assistance to BEE throughout the policy formulation process. The collaboration included supporting market assessments, international comparisons of labeling programs, evaluations of national and international test standards, assessment of test laboratory capacity, and the generation and analysis of energy performance data. CLASP’s support ensured robust final policies that align with global best practices.
The 15 policies will avoid an estimated 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide cumulatively by 2030. This remarkable achievement not only sets a new standard for policy-making but also positions India as a global leader in energy efficiency.
CLASP and BEE will continue their partnership throughout the policy implementation process to ensure India secures the policies’ full benefits. CLASP’s support will center on improving compliance mechanisms and aiding BEE in addressing any policy implementation challenges that may arise.
