2024/25 Research Programme: Updated criteria now live
15 sub-technologies assessed
To ensure the ETL continues to list the most energy efficient products on the market, the scheme regularly reviews its eligibility criteria. As part of the 2024/25 Research Programme, 15 sub-technologies were assessed to confirm that the criteria continue to identify the top 25% most energy efficient products on the market in their class.
The review considered measurement standards, performance thresholds and eligibility requirements, helping to ensure that ETL criteria remain robust, relevant and aligned with developments in the market. ETL criteria are reviewed at least every four years across the scheme's 65 sub-technology categories.
The programme included consultation with affected manufacturers, followed by reassessment of products where criteria changes were proposed. This process has now concluded, and the updated criteria are now live.
The changes affect 12 sub-technologies, 37 manufacturers and 512 ETL-listed products. Most updates relate to measurement standards and test requirements, with a smaller number affecting performance thresholds or eligibility criteria.
Where products are affected, manufacturers have already been contacted directly. Existing listings are not automatically invalidated when criteria change; however, manufacturers are informed if they need to provide updated information or evidence to maintain their listings.
The specific criteria updates are outlined below.
Boiler Retrofit Equipment
Heat Recovery from Flash Steam, Boiler Blowdown Water and Steam Condensate
This sub-technology has been renamed from Heat Recovery from Condensate and Boiler Blowdown to Heat Recovery from Flash Steam, Boiler Blowdown Water and Steam Condensate to better reflect its scope.
Retrofit Burner Control Systems
Measurement standards have been updated to reflect current burner control testing across operating conditions, including oxygen and carbon monoxide limits. The revised standards are:
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BS EN 676:2020;
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BS EN 267:2020.
Energy Monitoring
Portable Energy Monitoring Equipment
An additional eligibility requirement has been introduced. Where applicable, products must now also comply with the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016.
Heat Pumps
Updates have been made to performance requirements:
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For low temperature heat pumps, the minimum efficiency threshold in heating mode has increased from 130% to 190%.
Measurement standards have also been updated:
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BS EN 14825:2022 has been introduced.
Motors, Drives & Fans
Measurement standards and test requirements for determining product efficiency at 100% of maximum continuous speed rating have been updated. One of the following options may be used:
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Type tests according to clause 7.3 of the 2021 draft revision BS EN 61800-9-2 (21/30443763 DC).
Results of tests according to BS EN 61800-9-2:2017 will continue to be accepted until further notice.
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Method 2-1-2A according to Table 4 in Section 7 of BS EN IEC 60034-2-1:2024.
Until further notice, products listed before January 2021 will continue to be accepted with testing performed according to BS EN 60034-2-1:2014.
Professional Foodservice Equipment (PFSE)
Measurement standards have been updated for both electric and gas products in this category:
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BS EN 50733:2025 Electric forced convection ovens, steam cookers and combination ovens for professional use - Test methods for measuring performance;
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BS EN 203-2-2:2021+A1:2023 Gas heated catering equipment. Specific Requirements. Ovens.
Products tested under the ETL testing process and the DIN 18873-4:2013 will continue to be accepted until further notice.
Measurement standards have been updated for both electric and gas products in this category:
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BS EN 50733:2025 Electric forced convection ovens, steam cookers and combination ovens for professional use - Test methods for measuring performance;
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BS EN 203-2-2:2021+A1:2023 Gas heated catering equipment. Specific Requirements. Ovens.
Products tested under the ETL testing process and the DIN 18873-4:2013 will continue to be accepted until further notice.
Updates have been made to performance thresholds:
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The performance threshold for energy consumption per cycle (EC) (kWh/cycle) has been reduced from 0.6 kWh to 0.4 kWh.
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The performance threshold for water consumption per cycle (VC) (L/cycle) has been reduced from 3.0 L to 2.3 L.
New measurement standards for hygiene and sanitisation have also been introduced. Products may be assessed against either of the following standards:
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BS EN 17735: 2022 Commercial dishwashing machines. Hygiene requirements and testing;
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NSF/ANSI 3-2023 Commercial Warewashing Equipment.
Models tested under previous versions of the standard (i.e., NSF/ANSI 3-2019 and NSF/ANSI 3-2021) will continue to be accepted until further notice.
Updates have been made to the performance thresholds:
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The performance threshold for water consumption per cycle (VC) (L/cycle) has been reduced from 3.4 L to 2.5 L.
The hygiene and sanitisation requirement remains in place, with the relevant measurement standards updated:
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BS EN 17735: 2022 Commercial dishwashing machines. Hygiene requirements and testing;
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NSF/ANSI 3-2023 Commercial Warewashing Equipment.
Models tested under previous versions of the standard (i.e., NSF/ANSI 3-2019 and NSF/ANSI 3-2021) will continue to be accepted until further notice.
Pipework, Tank & Vessel Insulation
New measurement standards have been introduced to reflect updated approaches to specifying and calculating thermal insulation for pipework and related equipment.
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BS 5422:2023 was introduced for specifying thermal insulating materials and equipment operating within the temperature range -40°C to +700°C;
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BS EN ISO 12241:2022 was introduced under the calculation rules for Thermal Insulation for Building Equipment and Industrial Installations.
Until further notice, products listed before 2022 will continue to be accepted with testing performed according to EN ISO 12241:2008.
Wastewater Heat Recovery Systems
Wastewater Heat Recovery Systems (Instantaneous)
Several updates were made to performance thresholds:
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The performance threshold for standalone horizontal systems was updated from ≥ 0.25 to ≥ 0.30.
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The performance threshold for standalone vertical systems was updated from ≥ 0.35 to ≥ 0.50.
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The performance threshold for plant room systems was updated from ≥ 0.40 to ≥ 0.50.
Four updated measurement standards were also introduced:
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NTA 8800:2024 nl “Energieprestatie van gebouwen – Bepalingsmethode” (Energy performance of buildings - Determination method);
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CAPE/RECADO-PQE rev.05 standard;
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CSA B55. 1-15 (R2019) Test method for measuring efficiency and pressure loss of drain water heat recovery units (for standalone vertical and plant room systems only);
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IAPMO IGC 346-2017 Test method for measuring the performance of drain water heat recovery units (for standalone vertical and plant room systems only).
For models introduced to the market before 2024, results of tests according to NTA 8800:2019-06 will also be accepted.
Two new standards have been added under the eligibility requirements for Wastewater Heat Recovery Systems made from copper:
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ASTM B88 – 22 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube;
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ASTM B306 – 20 Standard Specification for Copper Drainage Tube (DWV).
HVAC Equipment
Updates have been made to the performance requirements for linear, modular and bulkhead active chilled beams. Please refer to the ETL criteria for the full details.
Section 1.4.1 of the ETL criteria clearly sets out the performance metrics calculations of Specific Waterside Cooling Capacity for linear, bulkhead and modular active chilled beams. Product performance will now be determined using an independently certified product selection model, validated by testing a sample of products in accordance with BS EN 15116:2008 Ventilation in buildings. Chilled beams. Testing and rating of active chilled beams.
Product applications must be submitted with the following supporting evidence:
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Manufacturers must provide test reports of the sample products used to validate the product selection model;
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Manufacturers must provide certificate from an accredited third-party body verifying active chilled beam product performance;
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Test reports may use an alternative format to that specified in Section 6 of BS EN 15116:2008, provided the equivalent information is included.
Where an independently certified product selection model is not available, product performance may continue to be determined through in accordance with BS EN 15116:2008 and representative testing rules described in Section 1.5.1 of the criteria.
Looking ahead: 2025/26 Research Programme
Work is already underway on the 2025/26 Research Programme, with criteria currently under review for 10 sub-technologies, including Hot Water Boilers, Refrigerated Display Cabinets and Commercial Fans.
Alongside these reviews, the ETL is carrying out targeted updates to a further eight sub-technologies. These focus on clarifying and refining existing criteria and include Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), HVAC Building Controls and Lighting Controls.
These reviews help ensure ETL criteria continue to reflect current technologies, industry standards and market developments, while maintaining a clear and consistent route for manufacturers seeking to list their products.
To find out more about the 2025/26 Research Programme and the technologies in scope, read our related article.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact the ETL team at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk.