The government is currently considering making it mandatory for public sector buyers to procure equipment listed on the Energy Technology List (ETL), to ensure that government-funded purchases are the most energy efficient, helping achieve its net zero carbon emissions goal.
Energy efficiency is the hot topic at the moment, not only because of rising energy costs and the effect they have on the profitability of businesses, but also due to the growing drive in foodservice to reduce carbon emissions and make the industry more sustainable.
The UK government operates a register of energy efficient products – the ETL - which is designed to assist buyers, specifiers and operators in choosing more energy-efficient equipment. The website has recently been updated to improve the user experience with a clear, well set out and user-friendly appearance.
The main problem for foodservice operators up to now was that the only category of catering equipment listed was refrigeration. It is also currently the only type of foodservice equipment that falls within the scope of the eco-design directive, with an A to G energy classification to help buyers.
Now the government has announced it is including convection ovens, combi ovens and warewashers in the ETL scheme, the FEA and its members have been actively involved in providing stakeholder feedback.
The information on the ETL website is designed to assist the specifier or purchaser to select the energy efficient product that best matches their needs. The test criteria are available to view, so buyers can see how the product has been tested and its efficiency limits.
The four new product groups recently added to the ETL scheme are undercounter dishwashers, passthrough dishwashers, convection ovens and combi-ovens. There will be two additional categories added later this year - hobs and grills. The rigorous testing required to appear on the list ensures that only the most energy efficient products are included.
For warewashing, the tests cover energy consumption, cleaning results plus a new hygiene test. It must meet specific hygiene standards in accordance with the new BSEN17735.
For convection ovens and combi ovens the tests cover both energy consumption and operational efficiency, based on the number of trays in the oven.
Currently there is no specific financial incentive to choose equipment from the ETL. Rather, it is a list of independently validated energy efficient products, reassuring buyers that the equipment has achieved the minimum energy efficiency standards set out by the scheme operator.
Manufacturers are currently having their products put through the validation process, so buyers should see many more appearing on the ETL in the coming months. Once that happens the ETL will be the first place to look for energy efficient products.
The Foodservice Equipment Association is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.
For more information on FEA visit: https://www.fea.org.uk.