A practical guide to selecting ETL-listed products

How to find, compare and choose the right option for your project

Selecting energy efficient products is an essential part of many projects across business and the public sector. As organisations in both sectors work to reduce energy use, increase energy cost savings and support wider UK Net Zero objectives, understanding how products differ and where they are best applied has become increasingly important.  

Finding reliable, up-to-date product information can be challenging, but the ETL helps to simplify the process by bringing together around 8000 energy efficient products in one place, alongside independently verified performance data, product features and supplier information. This makes it easier to compare options, understand the differences between similar products and make informed decisions for your project.  

The ETL helps businesses and the public sector identify, assess and compare energy efficient products more effectively. It is specified in the Government Buying Standards (GBS) for electrical goods, which are mandatory for central government departments and recommended across the wider public sector. The ETL also serves as a benchmark for SKA rating and links with the National Building Specification (NBS) platform, making it a valuable resource throughout the procurement and specification process. This guide explains how to use the ETL to narrow your options, compare products efficiently and choose the best fit for your project. 

Start with the project requirements 

Define your project requirements clearly so you can focus on the most suitable products for your project. As well as what the product needs to do, consider the scale of the project, the operating environment, installation constraints (such as integration with existing or new systems and compatibility with other products), technical specifications and budget. 

Also consider how it will perform over its full lifespan, including maintenance requirements, expected usage patterns and any operational limitations. For example, two products may meet the same efficiency threshold but differ in capacity. Setting these parameters early will help you focus on products that are genuinely suitable for the application. 

Another point to take into account is long-term value, not just purchase price. A product that seems cheaper upfront may cost more over time if it uses more energy, needs more maintenance or has a shorter lifespan. Considering total cost of ownership, including installation, operation, servicing and replacement, will help you make a more informed choice.  

Use categories and filters to narrow your options 

Search by category to find products that are relevant to your project more quickly. The ETL is organised by technology category, each divided into sub-technologies, which helps narrow the scope to options suited to your project. For example, the Professional Foodservice Equipment (PFSE) category includes Combination Steam Ovens, Convection Ovens, Undercounter Dishwashers and Hood-Type Dishwashers.  

You can explore categories in two ways: 

• Via the Products page, which provides an overview of each category, including sub-technologies and the ETL eligibility criteria. This is useful when you need to understand available technologies and compare options. 

• Via the Product search bar on the ETL home page and Purchaser page, which helps you find specific products more quickly when your product preferences are already clear. 

If you already know the required technology, navigate directly to the relevant category. If you are still assessing options, review products across categories and begin narrowing your selection to those that meet your project requirements. 

Use the product search bar by typing a product, manufacturer or category into the search field, then refine the results using the technology category filters. This helps you move from a broad range of options to a manageable shortlist. If you are managing multiple sites or projects, filtering products in this way can also make it easier to compare options consistently across different requirements.

Type keywords into the search field to find a specific product.

After identifying suitable products, you can build a shortlist by selecting the “compare this product” box, which is located below the manufacturer information on each product information page, and also appears on the right-hand side of filtered search results. This allows you to gather the products you are considering in one place, ready to review them in more detail. You can check your shortlisted products at any time by expanding the panel at the bottom of the page.

Select products from the search results page to build your shortlist, which will appear in the panel at the bottom of the page.

Compare the product data carefully

Once you have your shortlist, you can use the “compare” function or download a spreadsheet to review them side by side. This brings the key information together in one place, making it easier to assess product features, performance data and other technical characteristics side by side.  

Where available, Technical Specification files provide a more detailed view of each product. These can include information such as dimensions, performance data, electrical requirements, components, installation guidance and compliance details. This additional information sits alongside the energy efficiency data, helping you make a more thorough comparison. 

For designers and specifiers, BIM Object files offer an additional layer of useful detail. These can be used within digital building designs, allowing products to be assessed in context, particularly where space, integration and system compatibility are important. Many manufacturers also include images and product leaflets, which can help when narrowing down the most suitable option. 

It is important to compare like for like. Differences in specification or intended use can affect how performance figures should be interpreted, so taking the time to review this in detail will lead to a more accurate comparison. 

Review supplier and manufacturer details

Once you have narrowed down your shortlist, review the supplier and manufacturer information provided for each product. The ETL includes contact information and website links, making it easier to request further information or clarify any outstanding questions before making a final decision.  

This step is especially helpful for procurers and specifiers who need to confirm technical details, check compatibility with existing systems or understand installation requirements. It may also help to clarify lead times, servicing arrangements, product availability or aftersales support. Addressing these points early in the procurement process can help reduce the risk of delays, specification issues or unsuitable product selections later in the project. 

For a quick recap of this process, watch the short explainer video below.

Explore case studies for real-world context

To understand how ETL-listed products perform in practice, our case studies offer valuable real-world insight. They highlight how products have been applied across different settings and the kinds of results achieved, from energy savings and operational improvements to practical implementation.

For those assessing multiple options, case studies provide a level of insight that technical data alone cannot always capture. They help bring product performance to life by showing how they operate over time and under real conditions, supporting more confident decisions.

Integrate ETL data into your own systems

For organisations managing procurement at scale, the ETL API is a free tool that provides an additional  way to access and use product data, allowing users to bring ETL-listed product information directly into their own websites, procurement platforms or internal tools. This includes product features, images and the ability to search and filter products. 

This can be particularly useful for larger organisations, framework procurers or teams working across multiple projects. By integrating ETL data into existing systems, users can review, filter and compare products more efficiently while ensuring decisions are based on the up-to-date, independently verified information. The API is free to download and just requires a simple registration to obtain an access key.  

A trusted resource for procurement decisions

By following these steps, you can use the ETL to narrow your options, compare products more effectively and make more informed procurement decisions for your projects. With independently verified product data, technical information and supplier details in one place, the ETL offers a practical way to move from search to shortlist to final selection.

Find out more

Browse the ETL to begin comparing energy efficient products for your project.

Explore our case studies to discover how ETL-listed products deliver benefits in real world settings.

Get in touch with the team if you have any questions about the ETL or need support getting started.