7 June 2005 Media Statement

Energy Star label to help energy savings

A new international mark denoting products with outstanding energy efficiency is being introduced into New Zealand from July 2005, Energy Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

"Consumers could save hundreds of dollars on their household power bills over time by choosing Energy Star products. For large businesses, the savings could be in the thousands," Trevor Mallard said.

"Forty percent of a household’s energy is used on appliances including fridges, lighting and home electronics. Choosing energy efficient products means you use less energy and enjoy lower power bills without compromising on lifestyle.

"The government has allocated a budget of $3.1 million over the next four years for the Energy Star programme, which will be administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). "

The Energy Star label will only be awarded to products that achieve significant energy savings and is expected to cover the top 25 percent of the market.

Energy Star is already established in several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. In 2004 it is estimated that the Energy Star programme saved the United States 485 PJ in electricity usage, 4 percent of their total electricity usage.

Energy Star is a voluntary endorsement programme. Some New Zealand products already carry the Energy Star label but only because they are imported here. Energy Star will be phased into the New Zealand market with new products being added each year.

The first phase, from July 2005 until June 2006, will cover home electronics, domestic refrigeration appliances, and office equipment.

The Energy Star label will complement EECA's existing products programme. This includes Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), that regulate the energy performance of products, and energy labelling which provides information on the energy efficiency of a product.

ENDS

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