ETL and Eurovent Certification align to promote energy efficient Refrigerated Display Cabinets
The importance of RDCs
Refrigerated Display Cabinets (RDCs) are essential in the retail sector, offering both practical and financial benefits. Their significance in energy savings has led to their placement on the Energy Technology List (ETL), which currently has 131 RDCs listed. The ETL has also made significant new collaborations with certification bodies to help streamline the application process for manufacturers - making it easier to list products on the ETL that have already been certified by organisations, such as Eurovent Certification.
RDCs are plentiful in establishments that display chilled and frozen foodstuff, such as supermarkets, petrol stations, and cafes – all while maintaining optimal temperatures. Their widespread use means that enhancing their energy efficiency can lead to substantial energy savings. As energy consumption is a significant cost for retailers, using energy-efficient RDCs helps reduce operational expenses and supports environmental sustainability. The latest updates to the ETL criteria ensure that listed RDCs meet stringent energy performance thresholds, reflecting technological advancements and using the Ecodesign EEI performance metric. The ETL performance requirements are aligned with the Ecodesign Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/2024, and the EEI thresholds (%) have been reviewed and strengthened accordingly to ensure that products listed are within the top 25% on the market in their class, which is further contributing to the enhanced energy efficiency of the commercial refrigeration market. Read our article from July 2023 and learn more about the criteria update.
Benefits for manufacturers and purchasers
For manufacturers, the alignment between the ETL and Eurovent Certified Performance presents a significant advantage and reduces the need for additional testing, saving time and costs. Many manufacturers may already possess the necessary test reports for Eurovent certification, which can be directly used for ETL applications as long as products meet the ETL thresholds. This dual use of test reports simplifies the process, making it quicker and easier for manufacturers to achieve ETL listing, thereby enhancing their marketability and appeal to energy-conscious buyers.
For purchasers, especially those in the retail sector operating on slim margins, the ETL is a valuable resource. The ETL’s independent verification of the energy efficiency of RDCs, can help de-risk the purchasing process by differentiating between good, better, and best-performing models, aiding in the selection of products that deliver significant energy savings.
The ETL's comprehensive and detailed product information supports the efficient decision-making of both large and small retailers, ensuring that chosen products not only meet energy performance standards but also contribute to cost savings and the broader sustainable practices of an organisation.
The ETL and Eurovent Certification alignment
The ETL recently engaged in productive discussions with Eurovent Certification, an independent, third-party certification body, to align testing standards for a variety of products on the ETL, including RDCs. A major benefit of this collaboration is that manufacturers with products certified by Eurovent Certification can potentially re-use those test reports for an ETL application, provided the product meets the ETL thresholds. This initiative aims to promote energy-efficient products like RDCs and encourage more applications to the ETL, ensuring a wide range of certified, energy-saving technologies are accessible to businesses and consumers.
This also assures retailers and purchasers of the energy performance and reliability of ETL-listed RDCs, promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the retail sector.
Ian Butler, UK Partnership Manager at Eurovent Certification commented, “Eurovent Certification and ETL are both champions of energy efficient technology. Aligning the Eurovent Certified Performance programme for RDC’s with the testing requirements for the ETL reduces barriers for manufacturers. As product and energy performance has already been independently verified via Eurovent Certification’s vigorous certification protocol, certified manufacturers who meet the ETL’s strict criteria will not have to undergo further costly laboratory tests. Likewise, specifiers and end users have double the guarantee of product performance by choosing products on the ETL that are also Eurovent certified.”
The ETL and Eurovent Certification are committed to furthering their partnership, with plans to align on more ETL sub-technologies in the future. This ongoing collaboration will continue to enhance the visibility and adoption of energy-efficient technologies, supporting the UK’s goal for Net-Zero.
Click here to read the full article on the Eurovent Certification collaboration.
Case study: Greene King's energy savings with RDCs
A prime example of the benefits of using energy efficient RDCs is the case of Greene King, one of the UK's largest pub, restaurant, and hotel operators. Greene King's Punch and Judy pub in London replaced its old bottle coolers with advanced Rhino units listed on the ETL. This switch resulted in significant energy savings.
Click here to read the full case study.
Final thoughts
RDCs play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption in the retail sector. Their inclusion on the ETL underscores their importance in achieving energy savings. The alignment between the ETL and Eurovent Certification simplifies the listing process for manufacturers and assures retailers of the energy efficiency and performance of their purchases. By promoting such collaborations, the ETL continues to support the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, driving both economic and environmental benefits.
If you would like to learn more, please visit our website.
If you’re a purchaser looking to find energy efficient technology, browse our list here.
If you’re a manufacturer looking to register your product on the ETL, click here.
Contact us at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk to explore how the ETL can get you closer to a net-zero reality.
For more information on Eurovent Certified Performance for RDCs please contact programme manager, Cheikh Faye, at c.faye@eurovent-certification.com or Ian Butler at i.butler@eurovent-certification.com.