2025 Mid-Year Review: Progress and Developments in Energy Efficiency
Insights and updates on how the ETL is supporting the transition to Net Zero
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the ETL continues to play a key role in supporting manufacturers, businesses and the public sector in identifying energy efficient products that reduce energy use, cut costs and lower emissions. From new partnerships and technical updates to sector engagement and research activity, the first half of the year has seen continued progress in helping organisations make informed, sustainability focused decisions.
Collaborations and partnerships
The ETL has continued to strengthen partnerships that support more consistent energy efficiency standards across the built environment. Our ongoing collaboration with SKArating ensures that ETL criteria are specifically used to assess energy performance within their sustainable fit out framework. SKArating evaluates fit outs in office, retail, and higher education settings, including laboratories and restaurants, covering a range of ETL-listed technologies such as lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation units, pipework insulation, tank and vessel insulation, radiant and warm air heaters, and refrigeration equipment. Importantly, only products that meet ETL criteria are eligible for inclusion within the SKArating framework. This alignment provides manufacturers with increased exposure to purchasers who prioritise energy efficient solutions, helping to promote the adoption of top-performing technologies within these sectors.
The ETL has also strengthened its collaboration with Eurovent Certification, expanding alignment to five Heat Pump sub-technologies. This builds on previous alignments established in 2024 for Evaporative Air Coolers, Professional Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Refrigerated Display Cabinets. The expanded alignment allows manufacturers to reuse test data for both schemes, helping support consistency across certification processes and make the ETL application process simpler. For purchasers, it provides additional assurance that products meet rigorous, independently verified energy performance standards.
The ETL also continued its collaboration with the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) to support the growing focus on energy efficiency in the foodservice sector. Working together, the ETL and FEA are helping manufacturers and buyers identify high performing, energy saving products, with nearly 60 combination ovens and almost 70 professional refrigerated storage cabinets now listed on the ETL. Initiatives such as the planned Payback Calculator and improved product navigation tools are in development to make it even easier for hospitality buyers to assess potential savings and make informed choices. This ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the transition to more energy efficient commercial kitchens and foodservice operations. Read the full article here.
Women driving change in the energy savings industry
We launched our Women Driving Change series to showcase the diverse roles and career pathways available to women in the energy efficiency sector. The series highlights the leadership and expertise of women who are advancing sustainability across different industries. So far, we’ve featured voices including Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association (HPA); Tracy Southwell, Managing Director of Hobart Equipment UK; Emma Brooks, Managing Director of Quintex Systems Ltd; and Kristina Allison, Sustainability and Net Zero Lighting Capability Lead at WSP and President of the Society of Light and Lighting.
Alongside sharing their professional journeys, these leaders offer valuable advice for women interested in pursuing careers in energy efficiency, helping to inspire the next generation of talent. The series will continue throughout the year, spotlighting more women whose work is helping to shape a more energy efficient future. You can watch the series on our YouTube channel.
Events and exhibitions
In Spring, the ETL team hosted a stand at Futurebuild 2025, engaging directly with architects, designers, and technology suppliers. Through our conversations with industry professionals, we explored key developments shaping the future of the built environment, including solar energy, battery storage, heat pump efficiency, and centralised heating networks. The event highlighted the growing importance of independent verification in building buyer and specifier confidence in energy saving products.
At HRC 2025, the focus was on innovations in Professional Foodservice Equipment, such as AI integration and smarter connectivity. Conversations with industry leaders and manufacturers highlighted the value of trusted, independently verified energy performance claims.
In June, we attended the InstallerShow. The event offered first-hand exposure to the latest innovations enhancing energy efficiency across domestic, commercial, and industrial installation. We were also able to engage with installers and trade associations, discussing the challenges surrounding the adoption of low-carbon technologies in the UK, and took the opportunity to engage with ETL-listed manufacturers in the HVAC and wastewater heat recovery ETL product categories.
To hear more from the industry professionals and manufacturers we met at events, watch our Futurebuild roundup video and our HRC event video featuring interviews and insights.
New product listings
Between January and June 2025, the ETL has grown to include 93 additional products across a range of energy-saving technologies, further expanding the choice of verified energy efficient products available to specifiers and purchasers to support sustainable choices across industries.
A notable milestone this year has been the listing of the first products in the ETL’s recently launched showers category, with 36 models listed from Kelda Showers Limited and Triton Showers (part of the Norcros Group).
Other products added this year include:
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Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) from HeatingSave Ltd
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Refrigerated Display Cabinets from Husky Refrigerators (UK) Ltd, Liebherr, and Victor Manufacturing Limited
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Professional Refrigerated Storage Cabinets from Williams Refrigeration, Husky Refrigerators (UK) Ltd, and Pentland Wholesale Ltd
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Converter-fed Motors from NORD Gear Ltd
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Wastewater Heat Recovery Systems from RECOUP Energy Solutions Ltd
All of these products have been independently verified to meet the ETL’s energy performance standards, helping specifiers and purchasers to confidently identify high-performing, energy efficient solutions.
Manufacturers of energy efficient technologies are encouraged to apply for ETL listing; the process is free of charge. Additionally, an ETL listing provides manufacturers with greater market exposure and demonstrates that their products have met rigorous, government backed criteria.
New system functionality: BIM and technical specifications
In the first half of 2025, we introduced the ability for manufacturers to upload Technical Specification and BIM Object files alongside their product listings. This new feature enhances support for purchasers, specifiers, architects and designers by providing detailed and consistent product information to aid in selecting and specifying energy efficient solutions.
Technical Specification files include key details such as size, dimensions, components, compliance certificates, and installation instructions. These help purchasers make well-informed decisions while giving manufacturers the opportunity to present their products comprehensively.
BIM Object files allow designers and architects to integrate independently verified, energy efficient products directly into their digital design workflows. These files are available for free download on the ETL.
Manufacturers can upload Technical Specification and BIM Object files through our manufacturer portal when submitting new applications.
For products already listed, we can add these files retrospectively. Please get in touch with us at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk for more information.
Research Programme developments
The 2023/24 Research Programme concluded in April, leading to updates across nine sub-technologies and affecting 33 manufacturers. Nearly 300 products were reassessed to ensure they continue to meet the ETL’s energy performance standards.
Building on this, the 2025 Research Programme is now underway. This year’s work includes full technical reviews of ten sub-technologies; alongside targeted reviews focused on clarifying specific criteria. Ongoing engagement through surveys, workshops and consultations helps ensure that ETL criteria remain both technically reliable and practical for manufacturers and specifiers.
The ETL will shortly communicate with affected stakeholders and those who wish to be included in the technical review. To register your interest, please contact: etlresearch@ricardo.com.
Industry viewpoints
In addition to product and policy updates, the ETL continues to share expert insights to support informed decision-making across the sector. Our recent piece on smart building controls highlights how intelligent systems can help reduce energy use, cut costs and improve occupant comfort in commercial buildings. For designers, specifiers and suppliers, they also offer a way to futureproof assets, support net zero goals and respond to evolving sustainability regulations.
Elsewhere, Kristina Allison shared her ‘four pillars of lighting’ approach to sustainable design, combining performance, wellbeing, compliance and flexibility. These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to providing practical insight across sectors.
Case studies: Practical applications across sectors
Recent case studies show how ETL-listed technologies are delivering tangible energy and cost savings in real-world settings.
At Wetherspoon’s Jack Fairman pub, Quintex’s CHEETAH demand-controlled kitchen ventilation system reduced kitchen ventilation energy use by 69%, supporting lower emissions and operational costs.
Autoflame’s burner control systems were installed at an NHS hospital and the Leadenhall Building, where their ETL-listed retrofit solutions improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced reliability. Both sites reported significant cost savings.
Hobart drew on its ETL listings to meet the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment requirements, helping demonstrate the energy efficiency of its professional dishwashers in the absence of UK regulation for this product group.
At East Riding Beverley leisure centre, Victor’s Maxiline ECO+ refrigeration units performed reliably in high-temperature, high-humidity conditions. Their ETL-listed units delivered consistent performance while lowering energy consumption and running costs.
Want to share your success story? Contact us at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk to have your ETL-listed product featured in one of our case studies.
Looking ahead
As we move into the second half of 2025, the ETL remains focused on strengthening energy efficiency across sectors by providing independent verification, technical clarity, and practical support. Whether through improved digital functionality, evolving product criteria, or shared industry insight, our goal is to help manufacturers and purchasers make confident, evidence-based choices. We look forward to continuing to work with partners and stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of energy efficient technologies and contribute to the UK’s progress towards Net Zero.
Looking for practical support? Our Resources page offers guidance notes, toolkits and scheme details to help you list, specify or source energy efficient products. Explore the ETL Resources
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