The UK Government’s Energy Technology List (ETL) has the potential to be a key driver in the greening of the foodservice industry. The FEA has been working to promote the ETL, assisting in updating criteria for product categories and helping develop new initiatives.
Buyers using the ETL know that the products it contains are in the top 25% in terms of energy performance. The FEA says that manufacturers understand that, with growing interest in sustainability, it’s increasingly important to be part of the list.
Tom Lock, programme director for the ETL, said: “The foodservice product sections of the site have generated considerable interest and growth, both in terms of buyers visiting the site and manufacturers joining the list. So much so that the industry has become a focus for us.”
Examples of the growth in the list include combination ovens, with nearly 60 models and professional refrigerated storage cabinets with nearly 70 models listed.
One of the upcoming initiatives is the proposed Payback Calculator, which will help buyers work out potential savings for selected models, based on energy use and running costs. The ETL plans to launch the Calculator in the coming months.
John Cunningham - FEA’s chief executive, added: “We’re very keen on the Payback Calculator – it’s a great concept that will bring real benefits to buyers and encourage them in their decision to go green. It’s a simple idea, but working out the correct calculator parameters is complicated and it’s vital that the results are accurate.”
The ETL has around 8,000 independently verified products listed, so another area of consultation is a new product finder, to help buyers navigate the list.