ETL product listings now supported within NBS Chorus and NBS Source

The update strengthens specification workflows by linking ETL verification directly with NBS tools

We are pleased to announce that the ETL has been working closely with NBS, through the scheme’s API, to provide specifiers with an easier route to filter and select ETL listed energy efficient products at the point of design. As a result of this initiative, NBS Source now enables manufacturers to indicate if their products are ETL listed. If you have products on NBS Source that are also on the ETL, then please update your NBS listings to reflect this. This collaboration promotes improved specification practices and supports progress toward Net Zero objectives.  

In this article, Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, explains how the two systems work together to strengthen specification decisions. 

What it means for specifiers 

For specifiers aiming to reduce operational carbon and improve building performance, the ETL is an essential resource. 

Products listed on the ETL have been stringently assessed and independently verified, helping project teams align with net zero carbon objectives and Part L compliance. By choosing ETL-listed equipment – such as HVAC systems, motors, refrigeration, and lighting – specifiers can: 

• Demonstrate a transparent, evidence-based approach to reducing energy use

• Simplify product selection through verified data on energy efficiency

• Strengthen sustainability credentials in specifications and tender documentation

In short, this allows specifiers to specify with confidence - knowing their choices help contribute to lower operational emissions and long-term cost savings for clients. Figure 1 below demonstrates how in NBS Chorus the technical guidance for those specifying heat pumps introduces the ETL scheme. If specifying generically – for example setting ‘Manufacturer’ to ‘Submit proposals’ then the requirement for a product to be listed on ETL could be specified as one way of verifying the energy efficiency requirements. 

Figure 1 – Specifying generically

Figure 2 below shows that if specifying by brand, in this case for a direct-fired heating system, then within the certification information of a particular product the ETL certification is displayed. The example shows a heating system from Powrmatic Ltd within the NBS Source panel. 

Figure 2 -Specifying products with an ETL certificate

And finally, even if a specifier is not yet at the stage of deciding which product they require, on NBS Source, relevant product categories will have the ETL certification type listed alongside other product certifications. 

In figure 3 below both the manufacturer and the product have been filtered to show products with sustainability credentials. In this case a manufacturer with ISO 14001 certification has initially been found, then within their relevant product range products with ETL certification are listed. 

Figure 3 – Filtering products on NBS Source to show those with ETL certificates

Tom Lock, Programme Director for the ETL, commented, “Integrating the Energy Technology List (ETL) within the NBS platform makes it easier for specifiers to identify proven, energy-efficient technologies at the point of design. It also helps manufacturers reach professionals who are actively seeking products that meet the UK government’s standards for energy performance and net zero alignment.”

What it means for manufacturers

For manufacturers, being listed on the ETL is a clear differentiator. It signals that a product meets the UK Government’s benchmark for energy efficiency, helping to build trust with architects, engineers and contractors who must justify design decisions against sustainability targets. 

Being listed on the ETL means manufacturers can: 

• Gain greater visibility in the public and private procurement process 

• Increase specification likelihood by appearing in databases and digital platforms where professionals seek compliant products 

• Reinforce their commitment to net zero and demonstrate alignment with Government-backed sustainability initiatives 

In a marketplace where environmental performance increasingly drives decision-making, ETL accreditation can lead to more frequent specification and stronger market reputation. 

The ETL website publishes case studies from the scheme, showcasing manufacturer success stories such as Hobart successfully being listed on the NHS’s Evergreen Sustainability Supplier framework and the University of Reading using the ETL when selecting products for construction work across their estate. 

Powrmatic Ltd were one of the initial manufacturers on NBS Source to display their ETL certification, Nick Gray, Business Development Manager commented, “Having our products listed on NBS Source and certified under the Energy Technology List (ETL) gives specifiers the confidence that our solutions deliver real, verified energy savings. It helps our business stand out in sustainable design projects while supporting the wider goal of reducing carbon emissions across the built environment.” 

Supporting the UK’s Net Zero transition

Integrating ETL data within NBS Chorus and NBS Source is a practical step that supports better design decisions and strengthens the link between verified performance, procurement practice and national Net Zero goals.  

By making independently verified, energy-saving technologies easier to find at the point of design, the integration links government policy with private-sector innovation. It helps architects and engineers design more efficient buildings and gives manufacturers a clear route to demonstrate sustainable performance. Together, these improvements enable measurable progress in reducing operational carbon across the built environment. 

More information: 

Learn more about NBS Chorus and NBS Source.

Ready to get listed? 

An ETL listing improves visibility with specifiers and supports your commercial development. Explore our step-by-step application guide and watch our short explainer video to help you begin the process. 

Discover listed technologies in action

See how organisations across the UK are using ETL listed technologies to improve energy performance. Visit our case studies page to learn more.