Product standards
New Zealand works with Australia on a joint programme called the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Programme. The E3 allows both countries to honour their commitments under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA).
This programme develops energy efficiency measures for a range of commercial, industrial and consumer products, to deliver economic and environmental benefits to New Zealand businesses and consumers.
The tools the E3 uses to improve product energy efficiency include:
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
What are MEPS and labelling?
MEPS and/or labelling requirements are set out in Standards.
These Standards, and the product classes they cover, are cited in Schedules 1 and/or 2 of the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 (provided by the Parliamentary Counsel Office).
The Standards set out:
- The test method to measure a product's energy consumption and performance
- The requirements the product must meet for minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and/or labelling.
Importers, manufacturers, retailers and people selling new products have obligations to ensure their products comply with the Standards set out in the Regulations.
Copies of these Standards are available from Standards New Zealand.
Product categories currently covered by minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and/or labelling include:
- Commercial/industrial
- Heating and cooling
- Home electronics
- Lighting
- Whiteware.
To comply with the relevant product standard, manufacturers/importers and retailers must complete:
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
MEPS establish standards for energy performance that products must meet or exceed before they can be sold. Having MEPS in place raises the average efficiency of products available for sale, which can flow-on to help reduce your business operating costs.
MEPS are regularly reviewed in consultation with industry to ensure they keep pace with advances in technology. Along with labelling, MEPS give industry the impetus to constantly improve the energy efficiency of products.
Energy rating labels
EECA's products programme makes energy efficiency information easily available so businesses can compare products, consider the lifetime operating costs and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Energy rating labels provide information on a product's energy performance. A star rating on the label allows buyers to compare the energy performance between makes and models, at a glance. It also shows an estimate of the model's annual energy use.
Check out more details:
- Energy rating labels
- Products at a glance - a summary of the products currently covered, and those under consideration for MEPS and/or labelling in New Zealand
- Energy Rating is a joint Australian/New Zealand website that has a comprehensive list of products and individual models currently covered by MEPS and/or labelling in New Zealand and Australia.
ENERGY STAR
In New Zealand, EECA also promotes a voluntary, international endorsement programme, ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR is the global mark of energy efficiency, awarded to the top 25% most energy efficient appliances, home electronics and office equipment in each category.
Check out:
More information
