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Efficiency Database






Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3)

The E3 Program

The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is a cross jurisdictional program through which the Australian Government, states and territories and the New Zealand Government collaborate to deliver a single, integrated program on energy efficiency standards and energy labelling for equipment and appliances.

Locations: Asia/Pacific - Australia, New Zealand
 
Archived Events: (Click to expand/collapse)
2020-03-04
Location: Australia
Description:

Latest News

http://www.energyrating.gov.au

We Have Moved

But our great service remains the same!

We have moved to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Here are a few more details to help you stay in touch.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Lighting Regulation

Changes are coming!

In April 2018, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council agreed to further improve lighting energy efficiency regulation by phasing out inefficient halogen lamps (light bulbs) in Australia and introducing minimum standards for LED lamps in line with EU standards in Australia and New Zealand.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Displaying the Label

How you display your label matters

If you are supplying or selling products in Australia regulated for energy efficiency under the GEMS Act, you have legal obligations to make sure these products are registered. In addition, some products require an Energy Rating Label to be displayed correctly at point of sale.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

In Case You Missed It

The New Refrigerated Cabinets Determination
From 15 August 2020, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 will come into force in Australia.  Read more...

Featured Video

Selling appliances with an Energy Rating Label? Watch this quick overview to understand your legal obligations when displaying the Energy Rating Label on your products in store.

Watch more videos on our Energy Rating or GEMS Regulator YouTube channels.
Subscribe to the channels to receive notifications when new videos are released.

Featured Document

E3 Achievements Report 2018-2019
The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program undertakes a range of activities to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Read more...

Visit Us Online

energyrating.gov.au

Energy Rating

GEMS Regulator

Contact Us
Past editions available on the Energy Rating website.

Our mailing address is:

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources

GPO Box 2013

Canberra, ACT 2601

Australia

2019-12-19
Location: Australia
Description:

The Efficiency Standard-December 2019

http://www.energyrating.gov.au

Latest News

2019 In Review

Looking back on the year that was

2019 was a big year for the GEMS Regulator, with four new product determinations, a new energy rating label, and the release of the final report from the GEMS Act Review, to name but a few of our big achievements of the year.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Changes for the Regulator

The GEMS Regulator is on the move in 2020

On Thursday 5 December, 2019, the Prime Minister of Australia announced significant changes to the structure of the Australian Public Service that will impact the GEMS Regulator, but not our service.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Expression of Interest: NatHERS Technical and Stakeholder Groups

NaTHERS is looking for industry experts

The Administrator of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is looking for industry experts from the appliance and solar industries to join their technical and stakeholder groups.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Updated Service Charter

Better service standards are here

The updated Service Charter for the GEMS Regulator outlines the standard of service that suppliers and other stakeholders can expect when working with the GEMS Regulator.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Update on Refrigerated Cabinets Determination

The new Determination is in force in August 2020

Schedule 2 of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 lists what models will be affected by the new regulations.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Holiday Shutdown

The Energy Rating Team is taking a break

The Energy Rating Team will be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period. As a result, the team will be unable to answer any enquiries or process any product applications until the New Year.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

In Case You Missed It

'Smart' Demand Response Decision RIS ApprovedOn 22 November 2019, the COAG Energy Council agreed to introduce demand response capability requirements for certain products.  Read more...

Efficiency Standard Survey
Take part in our Efficiency Standard survey to let us know what you think of the newsletter. The survey will close on December 31, 2019.          Read more...

Featured Documents

Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019
Check out the new Determination for refrigerated cabinets and see if your model will be affected by the new requirements.

Visit Us Online

energyrating.gov.au

Energy Rating

GEMS Regulator

Contact Us

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Past editions available on the Energy Rating website.
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2019-11-26
Location: Australia
Description:

Latest News

http://www.energyrating.gov.au

'Smart' Demand Response Decision

New demand response requirements for selected products

On 22 November 2019, the COAG Energy Council agreed to introduce demand response capability requirements for air conditioners, electric storage water heaters (resistive), devices controlling swimming pool pump units and electric vehicle charger/discharger controllers.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

E3RC Committee Update

The committee met in October in Canberra

The Equipment Energy Efficiency Review Committee (E3RC) met on October 24th in Canberra. Items for discussion included the Independent Review of the GEMS Act, Demand Response Capabilities for Selected Appliances and GEMS Registration.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Air Conditioner Information Sessions

Presentation videos and material now available

We have published the videos and presentation materials from the recent Air Conditioner Information Sessions that were held around Australia in August and September.

 READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Basics of Efficient Lighting

New edition of the training guide now available

A revised edition of the Training Guide: The Basics of Efficient Lighting now is available to download. The guide was revised in recognition of the significant changes in lighting technology since the first edition in 2009.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

2019 Energy Efficiency Expo

The first expo to be held by the Energy Efficiency Council

The Expo was held in Melbourne from 23-24 October, 2019. Topics included a presentation on the regulatory changes for new and existing buildings, how they interact and what can be done to support consumers. 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

GEMS Compliance Update

Check testing and market surveillance results

Check testing results and market surveillance results for January to June 2019 have been released. In addition, the Regulator has also released the GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program for 2019-2020.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Registration Payment Update

A new surcharge applies to Visa Debit cards

From 1 November 2019, a new surcharge came into effect for all VISA Debit and Prepaid cards. The surcharge increases from the previous rate of 0.43% to 0.63%.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

In Case You Missed It

Efficiency Standard Survey
All readers are invited to take part in a quick five minute survey on The Efficiency Standard newsletter to help us gauge what you want from this newsletter. The survey has been extended to 31 December 2019.  Read more...

GEMS Review Final Report Released
The Australian Government has released the Final Report of the Independent Review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act).   Read more...

Featured Video

2019-08-28
Location: Australia
Description:

New Refrigerated Cabinets Determination

New Determination released for refrigerated cabinets

On 15 August 2019, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 was released in Australia. It includes a number of changes to the regulation of refrigerated cabinets, such as the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) and the inclusion of refrigerated storage cabinets, small ice-cream freezer cabinets and scooping cabinets.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

2019 Household Refrigeration Determination

New Determination released for household refrigerators and freezers

On 15 August 2019, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Household Refrigerating Appliances) Determination 2019 was released. This new Determination includes changes such as the alignment of MEPS with US standards.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Farewell Michelle

Michelle Croker steps down as GEMS Regulator

Michelle is moving on to pursue new endeavours within the Department of the Environment and Energy.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Consultation: Air Conditioners Above 65kW

Exposure draft Determination released

Public comment is sought on the exposure draft of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Air Conditioners above 65kW) Determination.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Consultation: Demand Response for Selected Appliances

Consultation paper released for feedback

The consultation paper examines the benefits of making selected appliances demand response capable.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Efficiency Standard Survey

We want your feedback on this newsletter

All readers of The Efficiency Standard are invited to take part in a quick five minute survey on The Efficiency Standard to help us gauge what we are doing well and what we can improve on.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Fine Food Australia 2019

Come and see us at Fine Food Australia

Representatives of the GEMS Regulator and New Zealand's Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) will be at Fine Foods Australia in Sydney from 9-12 September to discuss the recent changes to the regulation of refrigerated cabinets.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Sustainable House Day

Check out Australia's leading sustainable homes

Sunday 15 September is Sustainable House Day, and hundreds of Australia's leading sustainable homes are opening their doors

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

2019-04-03
Location: Australia
Description:

The Efficiency Standard E3

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Air conditioner Determination signed 

New label and MEPS for under 65kW models

The Federal Energy Minister signed a new Determination for air conditioners under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 in late March 2019. This follows the agreement of COAG Energy Ministers in December 2018 to further improve regulations on air conditioners. The Determination introduces a new energy rating label for air conditioners and revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for portable air conditioners.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Check testing GEMS products

New report shows 75 per cent of products comply

The Check Testing Results – July 2018 to December 2018 report has been published. During this time, check testing was completed on 24 models of GEMS products. Of the models tested, 18 met the relevant GEMS level requirements and energy efficiency claims.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

GEMS registration applications 

Now all processed by Victoria

Since the inception of the GEMS legislation in 2012, the Queensland and Victorian state governments have shared the processing of applications for registration for most products. The exception is motors applications which are processed by the Federal Government in Canberra.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

2018-12-19
Location: Australia
Description:

2018: The E3 Program in review

As the year draws to a close and thoughts turn to rest and relaxation, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved in 2018 with the E3 Program.
The COAG Energy Council agreed to strengthen regulations on air conditioners and lighting and introduce regulations on swimming pool pumps. An incredible amount of work goes into developing the Regulation Impact Statements upon which these decisions were based, work that can extend over a number of years and involves extensive consultation with industry.

Significant progress was also made towards implementation of Decision RIS’s agreed in 2017, on commercial refrigeration and household refrigerators and freezers particularly. And the independent review of the GEMS Act commenced, with its draft report finding that GEMS has proven effective at reducing costs for consumers. 

Not to mention the achievements of our GEMS regulatory activity, which you can read about further in the full article below. 

It’s fair to say it’s been an incredibly busy year for the E3 Program and that pace looks set to continue into 2019. But for now, I wish all in the E3 community a restful break with family and friends over the Christmas period.

Michelle Croker
The GEMS Regulator

New regulations for air conditioners 

Energy ministers agree to Decision RIS

COAG Energy Council ministers agreed to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on air conditioners when they met on 19 December 2018. Tightening regulations on the energy efficiency of air conditioners will have a significant impact on households, with 40 per cent of their average energy use going to heating and cooling.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Raising pool pumps' energy efficiency

New regulations given the green light

New swimming pool pump regulations are expected to be introduced in 2020, following COAG Energy Ministers' agreement to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on 19 December 2018. The cost to households of running a pool pump is around 18 per cent of energy bills.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Energy efficiency on the agenda in Sweden

International collaboration through the IEA 4E

Proposals for new projects on power semiconductors and on product energy efficiency trends were on the table at the recent meeting of the International Energy Agency’s Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (4E) in Stockholm, Sweden.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Registration system update 

New videos and enhancements to GEMS 'Help' resources

The GEMS Regulator continues its commitment to providing relevant, contextual assistance for registrants in the registration system through recent updates to the system’s Help section.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

An engaging finish to 2018 

GEMS Compliance continues to work with industry

In the latter half of 2018, GEMS inspectors were invited to attend meetings of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) and the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association (CESA).

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

GEMS Christmas shutdown

Helpdesk services unavailable

The Energy Rating Team will be taking a break over Christmas to ‘recharge their batteries’ for 2019. The Helpdesk will be closed from Monday the 24th of December 2018, reopening on Wednesday the 2nd of January 2019. During this period, the assessment of registrations will also be on hold. The Energy Rating Team wishes all GEMS registrants a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

2018-11-29
Location: Australia
Description:

Take part in the GEMS Review to improve Australia’s energy efficiency

Consultation period on draft report begins  

An independent review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is underway to ensure the Act remains appropriate and effective. The review’s draft report, released in November 2018, demonstrates that the GEMS Act has proven effective at reducing costs for consumers and contains a number of recommendations to strengthen the operation of the Act. The Government encourages stakeholders to continue to participate in this independent review by making a submission on the draft report. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Friday 21 December 2018. Public consultation sessions will be held over 3 - 6 December 2018.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE·

Air Conditioning Compliance

Enforceable undertaking accepted

An undertaking has been accepted from Seeley International Pty Ltd in response to alleged non-compliance with a GEMS level requirement. Check testing by the GEMS Regulator found that the annual energy efficiency ratio for cooling at rated capacity declared in Seeley's registration was not accurate. 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Hot Water Consultation  

Policy framework and roadmap released 

E3 is proposing a move towards energy efficient hot water systems that reduce household energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. A policy framework and five year roadmap have been released for comment. Public consultation meetings were held during late November. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Monday 10 December 2018.

· READ MORE ·

Refrigerated Cabinets

Consultation on Exposure DraftE3 is seeking stakeholder views on an exposure draft of the proposed replacement Determination for refrigerated display cabinets, storage cabinets and ice cream freezers. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Friday 14 December 2018.

· READ MORE ·

Electric Motors

Replacement Determination released  

On 14 November 2018, the replacement GEMS (Three Phase Cage Induction Motors) Determination 2018 was published. There will be a six month transition period during which suppliers can register motors under either the 2012 Determination or the replacement 2018 Determination. 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Household Refrigerators

Energy Modelling Methodology  

Work is underway to introduce tighter minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and adopt the international test standard for household refrigerators and freezers. This follows Energy Ministers' agreement in late 2017 to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) – Household Refrigerators and Freezers.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Our mailing address is:

Department of the Environment and Energy

P.O. Box 787

Canberra, ACT 2601

Australia

 

 

 

2018-07-05
Location: Australia
Description:

Consultation Open: Registering Chillers

Consultation Paper For Liquid Chilling Packages.

We’ve released a consultation paper to resolve some of the issues with chillers under the GEMS Act and we are holding public consultation meetings in July.
The current approach to registering chillers is not suited to the bespoke nature of these products. E3 is proposing a move toward international harmonisation, and we welcome your views!

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

New Draft Standard 

Household Refrigerator and Freezer Draft Standard Released.

Standards Australia’s draft Household refrigerating appliances - Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standards requirements published.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Watch This Space

Compliance Updates

The GEMS Compliance team are reviewing the Energy Rating website to ensure you can easily access information on monitoring, investigation and enforcement under the GEMS Act.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

GEMS Satisfaction Survey 

Thank you to those who submitted feedback.

The third annual GEMS stakeholder satisfaction survey has shown continuing high levels of satisfaction with registration and enquiry functions.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Our mailing address is:

Department of the Environment and Energy

P.O. Box 787

Canberra, ACT 2601

Australia

2018-05-06
Location: Australia
Description:

COAG Energy Ministers Meeting

Outcomes of COAG Energy Ministers Meeting – Lighting and Motors.

Energy efficiency regulations under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 already deliver more than $1 billion in savings to the Australian economy and reduce harmful emissions by 11.8 million tonnes each year.  This saves the average Australian household over $140 each year.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

GEMS Regulator YouTube Channel and Registration Videos 

The GEMS Regulator launches YouTube channel.

The new YouTube channel kicks off with the release of the first in a series of new step-by-step help videos, designed to help registrants navigate the registration system and meet their registration requirements.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

New E3 Project: Hot Water Systems 

Exploring new standards and labelling for hot water systems.

The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is leading a project to develop a high level policy roadmap for hot water systems.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Retailers and Labelling Requirements 

Displaying the Energy Rating Label (ERL). 

While GEMS Inspectors are finding most products are displaying an Energy Rating Label, a number of stores are obscuring the ERL and, consequently, no longer meet GEMS labelling requirements.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Third Annual GEMS Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey 

It’s nearly time once again for our annual stakeholder satisfaction survey.

Over the last two years we have benefitted from your feedback on our registration and enquiry services. Read the full article for the changes implemented over the past year using your previous survey feedback.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

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Our mailing address is:

Department of the Environment and Energy

P.O. Box 787

Canberra, ACT 2601

Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-03-01
Location: Australia
Description:

Independent Review Of The GEMS Act 2012

Consultation Period Open

The Australian Government is undertaking an independent review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act). The review invites public submissions on the Discussion Paper.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

Supplying GEMS Products 

Registration Compliance 

GEMS Inspectors have recently undertaken a number of visits to retail stores as part of the GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE

 

Our Fifth Anniversary 

Does your registration require renewal? 

Did you know the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is now over five years old? So what, you ask? Well, product registrations last for five years. This means many registrations may have recently expired, or will soon to expire.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Motors Determination: Exposure Draft Three phase electric motors

The Australian Government is proposing to change the energy efficiency regulations applicable to three phase electric motors. More details of this proposal can be accessed here.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Check Testing Of GEMS Products 

The results are in 

The GEMS Regulator finalized the check tests of 45 models across 10 GEMS products.

· READ THE REPORT

Our mailing address is: Department of the Environment and Energy

P.O. Box 787

Canberra, ACT 2601

Australia

 

2017-12-19
Location: Australia
Description:

The Efficiency Standard

November / December 2017

COAG Energy Ministers Meeting

Changes to household refrigerators and freezers and refrigerated display and storage cabinets regulations

Following COAG decisions the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program is working with stakeholders to revise the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Display Cabinets) Determination 2012 and the standards and Determination for Household Refrigerating Appliances.

· FULL ARTICLE - HOUSEHOLD REFREGERATORS AND FREEZERS ·

· FULL ARTICLE - REFRIGERATED DISPLAY AND STORAGE CABINETS ·

IEA 4E Outcomes

Outcomes from the forum held in Canberra on 13-17 October

Australia will lead an international community of practice relating to Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement activities.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Check Testing of GEMS Products 

Compliance Monitoring Program 

A key aspect of the GEMS Regulator's comprehensive compliance monitoring program is the annual post-market check testing of GEMS products.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

E3 Achievements 2016-17 

The E3 achievements report has been released 

Over the past 12 months, the E3 Program contributed more than $1 billion to the Australian economy and $114 million to the New Zealand economy in avoided energy costs. Combined, an estimated 11.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions avoided per annum!

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Fees Review

Registration and compliances services 

The Department of the Environment and Energy has released a supplementary paper as part of the review of the fees associated with the delivery of registration and compliance services under the Greenhouse and Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act).

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

E3 Prioritisation 2017-18 

Update to the E3 prioritisation plan 

The E3 Prioritisation Plan has been updated, reflecting the policy priorities for the E3 Program in 2017–18.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Suppliers' Guide 

Chinese version of the Suppliers' Guide updated

The Chinese version of the Suppliers’ Guide has been updated to reflect the most recent English version. Accessible via this link

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Christmas Shutdown

The Energy Rating Team

The Energy Rating Team will be unavailable from 23 December 2017 to 1 January 2018 inclusive.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Our mailing address is:
Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia

2017-09-28
Location: Australia
Description:

Lighting – Updated policy positions

Document for comment

On 13 September 2017, a Lighting – Updated policy positions document was released for stakeholder comment. This document provides an overview on the feedback received on the Lighting Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS), updates policy positions, and provides a basis for further consultation with industry, community and other stakeholders. It also provides more technical detail on some proposals outlined in the CRIS.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Cancelled Registrations List

GEMS Compliance 

An updated list of GEMS registrations that have been suspended or cancelled as a result of failing GEMS compliance testing is available from the Check Testing page on the Energy Rating website. The list covers 31 cancellations across 10 product types.

 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Dishwasher Test Standard

Report on international standard IEC 60436

Consistent results have been received across four Australian laboratories testing dishwasher energy consumption to the international standard. The E3 program funded tests of the same dishwasher units to check the reliability and repeatability of testing. 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Air Conditioner Climate Zones

Residential and commercial climate files

Planned new Zoned Energy Rating Labels will have air conditioner energy performance information for different climates. In preparation for this change, data for use in the calculation of climate zone information is available on the Energy Rating website

 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

GEMS Service Delivery

Registration and enquiry turn-around times

The Energy Rating team are committed to improving their service levels for GEMS registrants. In August 2017, it took an average of 1.46 days for the processing of registration applications and an average of 0.56 days to respond to enquiries.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

2017-07-30
Location: Australia
Description:

Impacts of the E3 Program

New infographic

Ever wondered about how effective the E3 Program is? Between 2000 and 2015, it was responsible for $5 billion in net benefits to the Australian economy! The program has saved 23 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from being released - that's the equivalent of taking over a million cars off the road. And it has done so at a cost of only 11 cents per tonne of CO2 saved from being released. The average Australian household benefits from the program too, saving more than $90 a year on electricity bills.

· VIEW THE INFOGRAPHIC·

2016-17 Market Surveillance Results    

Labelling and registration compliance 

Thirty per cent more GEMS products of models were inspected in the 2016-17 financial year than the previous, with eighty-seven per cent found to have been correctly registered.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Report on LED Policies   

Lessons learned from around the world   

In a new report, the IEA 4E SSL Annex shares lessons learned from government policies bringing LEDs to market. The report is intended to inform and encourage policies and programs around the world to accelerate the uptake and supply of high quality and energy efficient LEDs.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Help for GEMS Registrants  

Improved application form 

The Energy Rating Team is continuing to make product registration easier for registrants by commencing the second stage of help improvements. The yellow help boxes that appear when you click on the question mark symbol next to a question in a registration application are being updated.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Connected Efficiency Award 

Call for nominations   

The SEAD Connected Efficiency Award aims to identify energy efficient protocols in the market, increase their use in mains-powered connected devices, and spur innovation among protocols developers. Nominations close 31 August 2017.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

2017-06-29
Location: Australia
Description:

Improved service to stakeholders

2016-17 GEMS satisfaction survey results 

The efforts of the Energy Rating Team to improve service levels for stakeholders are paying off! Overall satisfaction levels reported in the 2016-17 GEMS Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey are up significantly, from 77 per cent last year to 84 per cent. This trend was echoed across most areas covered in the survey. For the first time, respondents were asked about their satisfaction with GEMS monitoring and compliance. The GEMS Regulator thanks those who completed the survey as the feedback provided is invaluable in informing ongoing efforts to improve the program.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Commercial refrigeration 

Update on industry consultation and next steps 

Consultation on the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for commercial refrigeration took place in August 2016. Since then, NZ's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has convened a technical working group to consider if any technical alterations to the standards and regulations are required, and to advise on implementation.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

E3 at International Lighting Conference

Talking with industry stakeholders

As one of a trifecta of firsts, the E3 Program staffed a booth at the SPARC-FMA International Lighting & Facilities Event, held for the first time in Sydney’s new International Convention Centre in May-June 2017.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

Market Surveillance 2016-17

GEMS Compliance snapshot

As the financial year wraps up, GEMS Inspectors are finalising a report of their market surveillance activity during 2016-17. Inspectors have been busier than ever this year, covering more products, more retailers and a greater geographical area than in previous years.

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

International lighting standard 

New IEA report on CIE S 025

A new report from the International Energy Agency 4E SSL Annex (of which Australia is a member) considers the new international standard (CIE S 025/E:2015), Test Method for LED Lamps, LED Luminaires and LED Modules

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

 

2017-05-30
Description:

In this issue: IEA 4E 2016 annual report and explainer video; better service delivery; Australia drops mercury levels in lighting; Austria hosts IEA 4E meetings; fans consultation closing soon 

 

Placeholder alt text

Energy efficiency policies at work 

IEA platform for international collaboration     

The Technology Collaboration Program on Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (4E), under the International Energy Agency (IEA), has released its 2016 annual report and a short video that helps to explain who the IEA 4E is and what it does.  By coordinating with international action on energy efficiency policies, the E3 Program leverages the efforts of other countries, works through policy challenges together and, where it makes sense, aligns our performance standards internationally.  Read more about the most recent meetings of the IEA 4E further below.  

 

 

 

improvement illustration with arrow

Better service delivery

GEMS Registration

Continuous improvement in the delivery of services is always a focus for the GEMS Regulator and the Energy Rating Team. Clearly these efforts are paying off.  Overall satisfaction reported by stakeholders in the recent GEMS survey was up seven per cent on last year’s result!

 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

 

 

 

Placeholder alt text

Australia drops mercury levels

Lighting Determinations to be replaced  

The E3 Program will reduce allowed mercury levels in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) in Australia, in order to meet the requirement of the Minamata Mercury Convention and align with levels set by major markets. 

 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

 

 

 

Placeholder alt text

Austria hosts IEA 4E

International meetings on energy efficiency

In April 2017, the International Energy Agency (IEA) held its 19th Technology Collaboration Program on Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (4E) meetings in Vienna, Austria. As the Chair of the IEA 4E, Michelle Croker (who is also Australia’s GEMS Regulator) led 4E’s Executive Committee meeting.

 

· READ THE FULL ARTICLE ·

 

 

 

 

Placeholder alt text

Consultation closing soon

Industrial fans 

Stakeholders have until 17:00 AAEST on 16 June 2017 to provide feedback on policy proposals to improve the energy efficiency of fan-units (a fan connected to an electric motor) sold in Australia and New Zealand.
 

 

· VIEW CONSULTATION ·

 
 
 
2017-04-27
Location: Australia
Description:

Consultation: Refrigerators & freezers

Have your say

The E3 Program has released a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) that considers policy proposals to improve the energy efficiency of household refrigerators and freezers in Australia and New Zealand. The current regulations have largely achieved their objective by promoting the development and use of more energy efficient refrigerators and freezers than would have been the case under business as usual (BAU). However, a regulatory failure exists because current minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) levels are set too low for Australia’s and New Zealand’s markets. Additionally, the regionally-specific test standard for refrigerators and freezers is resulting in an unnecessarily high regulatory burden. Interested parties have until Sunday 28 May 2017 to provide comment.

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GEMS stakeholder survey

How’s our service?

Last year we asked for feedback on the registration and enquiry services provided by the Energy Rating Team.  We appreciate how many of you took the time to complete the survey! Now we’d like feedback on your experiences over the past year.

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Compliance: Retailer focus

Where is your Energy Rating Label?

It has been a busy few weeks for the GEMS Inspectors with inspection activities focusing on regional areas and across a variety of retailers. Products requiring an Energy Rating Label were a major focus of the inspections.

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Consultation RIS: Fans

Have your say

The E3 Program is considering the feasibility of introducing energy efficiency regulations in Australia and New Zealand for industrial fans. A consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) will be published in early May with public consultation sessions to follow in Melbourne, Auckland and Sydney.

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ENERGY STAR logo

ENERGY STAR retires

Labelling change in New Zealand

By the end of 2017, the ENERGY STAR label will be retired in New Zealand. A recent review by New Zealand's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority shows consumers prefer using the Energy Rating Label.

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Help for GEMS registrants

Product registration made easier

The GEMS Regulator has implemented new help pages in the product registration database to assist users to register their products.  The new help pages are split into distinct subject areas to make it easier to locate them.  Stay tuned for more enhancements coming soon to make your registration experience easier in the future.

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graphic of an application form

New GEMS application form

Now in hard copy

The GEMS Regulator has released hard copy versions of the application forms in the registration database for each product currently regulated by the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act (2012).

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2017-03-27
Description:

Cool news for air conditioner suppliers

Implementation plan and SEER calculator

The E3 Committee has published an overview of how it intends to implement potential new air conditioning regulations. It has also released a calculator that will allow suppliers to begin rating to the new standard, if the regulations are agreed.

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Consumer research - Lighting

Labelling and packaging information

Would a consistent label on light bulb packaging, or product marking requirements, help consumers purchase more energy efficient lamps? That’s the question E3 hopes to answer through consumer research via an online questionnaire, focus groups and in-depth shopper interviews.

Televisions check tested

GEMS compliance results

The GEMS Regulator recently completed Stage 1 check testing on 13 television models.  Four of the models failed to meet one or more GEMS requirements.

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Registering GEMS products

Helpful tips 

The Energy Rating team wants to make it as easy as possible for industry to register and comply with the GEMS Act. Here are some tips for a quicker turnaround on enquiries to the team.

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Customs codes for LEDs

New and improved

Recent changes to customs codes for LED lighting will make it easier to understand the number and type of LED products being imported to Australia. While international customs codes have been in place for some time for a variety of lighting, similar classifications have not been available for the emerging LED modules, lamps and luminaires until recently.

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