Major retailers to showcase latest energy efficient appliances during inaugural Energy Challenge Week

Singapore, 7 September 2009 – A study by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on energy efficiency ratings of air-conditioners and refrigerators has revealed that higher-rating models in the market have lower lifecycle costs.

The 14-month-long study was conducted from January 2008 to February 2009, involving 11 retailers across 57 outlets. The objective of the study was to measure the market impact of mandatory energy labelling of air-conditioners and refrigerators introduced in January 2008.

Under NEA’s Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme, appliances receive an energy efficiency rating on a scale from zero to four ticks based on their energy consumption, The more ticks an appliance has on its Energy Label, the more energy efficient it is.

The study revealed that energy efficient models generally have lower lifecycle costs compared to inefficient ones. For air-conditioners with cooling capacities ranging from 5.5 to 6kW, the lifecycle cost  of 4-tick models are about 50% less than that of the 1-tick ones.  Similarly for refrigerators, the lifecycle costs  of 4-tick models are also about 50% less than those of the 1-tick models for volumes between 350 and 450 litres.  The lifecycle cost of an appliance includes the cost price of the appliance as well as the lifespan electricity cost of running it. 

Energy efficient appliances available at lower costs
Debunking a common misconception that energy efficiency translates into greater costs, the study revealed that energy efficient models are not necessarily the most expensive models available. This is especially true for refrigerators where other factors such as the features of a model influence the purchase price as well. Consumers can hence still opt for energy efficient models from the wide range available.

The Inaugural Energy Challenge Week
Consumers can find out more about energy efficiency at various locations across Singapore during the inaugural Energy Challenge Week held from 5-13 September 2009. A key event of Clean and Green Singapore 2009, programmes lined-up in the Energy Challenge Week include Energy Challenge Fair 2009, which will take place from 11 – 13 September 2009 at Marina Square Central Atrium, where the latest in energy efficient technology and innovation in household appliances will be showcased by more than 20 companies. In support of the main event, various grassroots and community activities focusing on energy efficiency will be organised within various districts round the island. A list of these events is in the Annex.

Mr Tan added, “With the inaugural Energy Challenge Week, we hope to raise awareness of not just the benefits of energy efficiency but its application and relevance to our daily lives. Coupled with the mandatory energy labeling, we hope to effectively equip consumers to make informed choices so as to enjoy substantial energy savings.“

For more information on NEA’s energy efficiency programmes, visit the Energy Efficient Singapore website, www.e2singapore.gov.sg.

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For more information, please contact
 
Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg

Annex 

Energy Challenge Week 2009

Main Event

Heartland Events