Announcing the 2025 ETL Research Programme

Accelerating energy efficiency through targeted and technical reviews

The 2025 ETL Research Programme is now underway. Each year, the programme plays a vital role in keeping the ETL up to date and aligned with the most energy efficient products on the market. It helps maintain the criteria that identify the top 25% of energy efficient products in their class, helping purchasers make informed decisions that lower energy use, costs and emissions. These reviews include engagement with industry stakeholders, such as surveys and workshops, to help ensure the criteria remain relevant, achievable and effective. 

This year’s programme continues the ETL’s commitment to regular, evidence based updates through both technical and targeted reviews. As always, timely stakeholder engagement and consultation are central to the process.  In addition to the usual technical reviews, the 2025 programme also includes a new set of targeted reviews. These will explore specific issues identified through the ETL application process or raised via stakeholder feedback.

Technologies under review

This year, we are undertaking full technical reviews of the following 10 sub-technologies:

• Biomass Boilers 

• Gas-Fired Condensing Water Heaters 

• Hot Water Boilers 

• Refrigerated Air Dryers with Energy Saving Controls 

• Air Cooled Condensing Units ​​​​​​​

• Refrigerated Display Cabinets ​​​​​​​

• Retrofit Measures for Open Fronted Refrigerated Display Cabinets

• Line Operated AC Motors

• Automatic Monitoring and Targeting (aM&T) Sub-Metering Systems

• Commercial Fans

Click on each to view the current ETL criteria.

These reviews will assess whether existing criteria remain fit for purpose, align with current best practice, and continue to support energy and cost savings across sectors. 

Get involved

Manufacturers, testing facilities, trade and industry associations, industry experts and academics are encouraged to contribute to this year’s reviews. Sharing your technical insights and market knowledge helps ensure the criteria remain relevant, fair and based on up to date information about available technologies.

The ETL will shortly communicate with effected stakeholders and those who wish to be included in the technical review.  To register your interest, please contact: etlresearch@ricardo.com.

Targeted reviews for 2025

In parallel, the ETL are also carrying out targeted reviews of eight additional sub-technologies, focusing on specific clarification or refinement aspects of the criteria. These sub-technologies are:

• Thermal Energy Storage 

• Battery Energy Storage 

• Showers 

• Steam Boilers 

• Desiccant Air Dryers with Energy Saving Controls 

• Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) 

• HVAC Building Controls 

• Lighting Controls 

Click on each to view the current ETL criteria.

All reviews, whether technical or targeted, will be completed within the 2025 programme timeframe and finalised by the end of the year.

Propose a new technology

The Research Programme also welcomes New Technology Proposals (NTPs). These proposals help the ETL expand into new areas, with recent additions including energy storage systems, commercial fans, professional foodservice equipment and showers. If you have a suggestion for a future inclusion, you can submit an NTP here.

Stay informed

To keep up with updates, future opportunities for involvement and announcements from the ETL, sign up to our newsletter here.

Manufacturers: demonstrate product performance with ETL accreditation

The application process is clear and supported at every step, including guidance materials and a short explainer video.