Efficient appliances, lighting, and equipment are critical climate solutions, situated at the nexus of mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development.

However, not enough is being done to maximize their benefits. In this report, CLASP lays out actions that must be taken by 2030 to put the world on a pathway to net zero emissions and enable a just energy transition. Our research identifies the ten appliances most vital to meeting global climate mitigation targets and improving people’s lives: the Net Zero Heroes.

Visit the Net Zero Heroes site to read and download the report.

“[T]he failure to mention appliance efficiency in NDCs represents a missed opportunity. Appliances are responsible for nearly 40% of all energy-related CO2 emissions. Efficiency policies, which have been employed by governments for decades, are some of the lowest-cost solutions for reducing appliance energy consumption and associated emissions.”

Lauren Boucher, Manager, Research, CLASP

The world is currently off track in its efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, as highlighted in the Global Stocktake, a key deliverable of COP28. To hit this target, countries need to be more aggressive in their efforts to reduce emissions.

NDCs are a key mechanism for achieving this. However, policymakers often fail to include appliances in their NDCs, CLASP analysis shows, despite the massive mitigation potential of appliance efficiency.

Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, countries must revise NDCs over time, continually raising their ambitions. Nations around the world are now starting this process ahead of a 2025 deadline. This report argues that as part of this effort, policymakers should commit to ramping up appliance efficiency efforts in line with net zero targets.

Key findings:

• Only 47% of NDCs mention appliances, while even fewer (25%) specify the policies needed to reduce their contribution to climate change. Including a clear target for appliance energy efficiency in NDCs is one way to elevate this subject at a high level, helping to build momentum for more ambitious policies in the future.
• Even NDCs of countries committed to appliance efficiency lack specificity. For example, among SEAD Product Efficiency Call to Action signatories, only 25% of NDCs mention Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), although they’re among the most cost-effective solutions for reducing energy consumption and associated emissions.
• Setting more specific targets for high-energy-consuming appliances — and ensuring that these targets align with net zero goals — can help bridge the gap between the current emissions trajectory and the aims of the Paris Agreement.

In collaboration with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and Opinium Research, CLASP conducted a study across seven European countries in 2023 to assess the impact of gas cooking on indoor air quality. The research involved monitoring in-home air quality in gas- and electric-cooking households, collecting household and cooking behaviour data, and analysing indoor pollutant concentration levels.

The report tackles several critical questions:

• What are the levels of indoor air pollution in households with gas cooking appliances and how do they compare to households that cook with electric appliances?
• How do these pollution levels compare to established mandatory outdoor air quality standards as well as pollution levels recommended by the WHO?
• Is ventilation enough to mitigate the health risks linked with gas cooking, or is a transition to cleaner cooking technologies necessary?

The report’s key findings provide a compelling call to action:

• Gas cooking often results in indoor air pollution that exceeds WHO air quality limits, putting citizens at risk of severe health issues.
• Many households with gas cooking appliances exceed WHO air quality guidelines for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
• Electric-cooking households, in contrast, enjoy significantly better indoor air quality, free from NO₂ pollution caused by kitchen appliances.
• Ventilation alone is insufficient to mitigate the pollution, necessitating a transition to cleaner electric cooking.

To safeguard public health, it’s essential to educate people about the health risks associated with gas appliances and provide them with resources to transition to cleaner and healthier cooking technologies. CLASP calls for collaborative efforts from governments, industry, civil society, healthcare providers, and individuals to improve indoor air quality across Europe.

Additional Resources

TNO Report: Health Effects in Europe from Cooking on Gas – Phase II Field Study

Executive Summary Translations

Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish

Press Releases

Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish.

Report Figures Available for Download

Figure 1. Gas cooking appliances directly emit harmful pollutants, whereas PM_2.5 is emitted by the process of cooking food

Figure 2. Criteria for household monitoring selection

Figure 5. Comparison of average NO₂ concentrations in gas- and electric-cooking homes

Figure 6. Average NO₂ concentrations per country and per cooking method in different rooms

Figure 9. Average exceedance of WHO and EU/UK NO₂ limit values in gas- and electric-cooking homes

Figure 10. Average number of exceedance days of the WHO daily guideline value during the 13-day measurement period

Figure 11. Highest hourly CO concentrations found in the kitchen, per country and per cooking method

Figure 12. Average PM_2.5 concentrations in the kitchen, per country and per cooking technology

Figure 14. Overview of ventilation types recorded in the study

Figure 15. Comparison of average indoor-attributed NO₂ concentration throughout the home, by cooker type

Figure 16. Average PM_2.5 concentration in kitchen for all homes cooking on gas and electric hobs

Figure 17. Reasons for using ventilation in the kitchen: results from a 2023 CLASP consumer survey

Figure 18. Average NO₂ concentrations in the Netherlands in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 19. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in the Netherlands showing NO₂ levels

Figure 21. Average NO₂ concentrations in Italy in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 22. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in Italy, based on severity of NO₂ levels

Figure 24. Average NO₂ concentrations in Spain in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 25. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in Spain, based on NO₂ levels

Figure 27. Average NO₂ concentrations in France in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 28. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in France, based on severity of NO₂ levels

Figure 30. Average NO₂ concentrations in Slovakia in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 31. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in Slovakia, based on severity of NO₂ levels

Figure 33. Average NO₂ concentrations in Romania in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 34. Average corrected NO₂ concentrations in Romania, taking into account higher levels of outdoor air pollution

Figure 35. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in Romania, based on severity of NO₂ levels

Figure 37. Average NO₂ concentrations in the United Kingdom in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and outdoors

Figure 38. Map of gas- and electric-cooking households in the United Kingdom, based on severity of NO₂ levels

Guidance Materials for Participating Households

Field Testing Equipment Overview

Field Testing Equipment Installation Guide

Household Recruitment Questionnaire

Instructional Videos for Participating Households: Dutch, English, Italian, French, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish

Visit our Cook Cleaner Europe page to view additional resources on gas and electric cooking.

While decades of scientific research have established a correlation between the emissions from gas cooking appliances and detrimental health impacts, the findings have not been widely circulated amongst the European public. As a result, misconceptions and misinformation about the safety, performance, and efficiency of electric alternatives remain widespread.

This report’s findings are drawn from surveys conducted among nationally representative samples of 3,000 adults in France, Romania, Spain, and 2,000 adults in the United Kingdom (UK). It offers European policymakers valuable insights into consumer perspectives on both gas and electric cooking appliances.

CLASP’s research questions address the following:

• Consumer use of and reasons for gas versus electric cooking appliances.
• Awareness of the health risks associated with gas cooking, and practices – such as ventilation – that can reduce risks.
• The importance of energy efficiency in major appliance purchase decisions and the value of a comparative energy label for gas and electric cookers.
• The level of support for government schemes to accelerate the transition to electric cooking.

Key findings of the report include:

• Variations in preference and usage of gas and electric cooking appliances are evident across countries, but also among distinct demographic segments.
• Cost emerges as a significant barrier for consumers, hindering the transition from gas to electric appliances. Renters wanting to switch to electric cooking appliances may face obstacles, despite their preference for such appliances.
• Consumers perceive electric cooking as safer than gas cooking, yet many remain unaware of, or indifferent to, the health risks associated with gas cooking appliances.
• Most respondents (58–74%) said they would consider getting rid of their gas cooker if they knew it was linked with health issues.
• Less than 20% of respondents across all countries indicated using ventilation to mitigate indoor air pollution when cooking.
• There is substantial public support for government initiatives aimed at promoting electric cooking in Europe.
• Consumers express a strong interest in the energy efficiency of their cooking appliances; however, they lack the means to effectively compare different types of hobs. Consumers strongly support the implementation of an energy efficiency label for both hobs and ovens.

While this report provides valuable insights, further research is needed to understand the barriers and opportunities for electrifying cooking across Europe.

Translations of the report’s executive summary are available:

• French: Résumé – Les perspectives des consommateurs européens sur la cuisson au gaz et à l’électricité : Preuves tirées de quatre enquêtes nationales
• Italian: Riepilogo – I punti di vista dei consumatori europei sulla cottura a gas ed elettrica – i risultati di quattro indagini nazionali
• Romanian: Rezumat – Perspective ale consumatorilor europeni în privința gătitului cu gaz și electric: Dovezi din patru sondaje naționale
• Spanish: Resumen – Perspectivas de los consumidores europeos sobre las cocinas eléctricas y de gas: Cuatro encuestas nacionales

Individual survey reports:

• France
• Romania
• Spain
• UK

Visit our Cook Cleaner Europe page to view additional resources on gas and electric cooking.

Driven by the sustainable growth of the market for solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Kenya, valued at approximately USD 30 million, the sector is offering expanding job opportunities. In Kenya alone, the SPIS sector is projected to create approximately 7,000 to 10,000 direct jobs by 2027. These well-paying and impactful positions can offer employment to rural youth who often face challenges accessing education, employment, or training.

Efficiency for Access, in collaboration with Dalberg, is committed to equipping these young individuals with the essential hard and soft skills to excel in the SPIS sector. Given that opportunities in this sector often demand specialized skills that are in short supply among youth, we are introducing a pilot program that will provide SPIS training to young adults post-high school. This specialized training not only meets the needs of underemployed youth but also addresses the growing demand for skilled labor as the solar irrigation sector continues to expand.

Through the successful implementation of this program, Efficiency for Access’ and Dalberg’s aim is to establish a blueprint and proof of concept that can be replicated in other regions and in the broader realm of green jobs, particularly within the productive-use renewable energy (PURE) sector.

Learn more about Efficiency for Access’ pilot concept and how you can be a part of this initiative.

If interested in collaborating, please contact:

• Sam Grant, Senior Director, Clean Energy Access, CLASP, sgrant@clasp.ngo
• Charlie Habershon, Associate Partner, Dalberg, Charlie.Habershon@dalberg.com

Download the Unlocking Green Jobs for Rural Youth in Solar Irrigation presentation to learn more.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote high-performing, energy-efficient appliances that enable access to clean energy for the world’s poorest people. It is a catalyst for change, accelerating the growth of off-grid appliance markets to boost incomes, reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life, and support sustainable development. The Efficiency for Access Coalition is coordinated jointly by CLASP,  an international not-for-profit appliance energy efficiency and market development specialist organization, and UK’s Energy Saving Trust, which specializes in energy efficiency product verification, data and insight, advice, and research.

Cold storage technologies play a crucial role in preserving food freshness, preventing spoilage, and extending shelf life, but it is essential that they do so in an environmentally sustainable manner. This technology trend brief, titled “Keep it Cool: Harnessing Cold Storage to Reduce Food Loss & Support Sustainable Food Systems in Emerging Economies,” is brought to you by Efficiency for Access and partners. It highlights innovative cold chain technologies that are addressing these critical challenges.

The latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) offers some startling statistics about food loss. Not only is 14% of food lost in the supply chain, food waste also:

• Contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions;
• Squanders a land mass the size of China;
• And has an economic cost of around $1 trillion annually;

However, despite these losses, one in ten people globally remains malnourished. As the population grows and the demand for nutritious food increases, energy-efficient and sustainable cold chain becomes critical to reducing food loss, improving food security, and mitigating climate impact. We need a global paradigm shift towards cold storage technologies that align with international climate agreements.

This brief spotlights three organizations that are working alongside Efficiency for Access at the forefront of this field:

• Wageningen University & Research has developed a postharvest assessment method, which identifies key areas of food loss in the supply chain and suggests interventions to minimize waste. Their research provides valuable guidance for reducing food loss and improving the efficiency of the cold chain.
• Global Food Cold Chain Council is an independent not-for-profit industry organization that seeks to simultaneously reduce food waste, and related greenhouse gas emissions in the processing, transportation, storage, and retail display of cold food by expanding and improving access to energy efficient low-global warming potential technology.
• Champions 12.3 is a coalition of global leaders who are all committed to supporting SDG12.3 which aims to halve food waste and reduce food loss by 2030. The Champions 12.3 coalition develops and drives a number of initiatives which are targeted at tackling specific issues and problems with the food systems, thereby reducing food loss and waste.

Read the Keep it Cool: Harnessing Cold Storage to Reduce Food Loss & Support Sustainable Food Systems in Emerging Economies report here.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote renewable and energy efficient appliances to deliver clean energy to the world’s poorest people. It is coordinated jointly by CLASP and the UK’s Energy Saving Trust.

Data from 60+ countries shine a light on one crucial fact: we do not need to delay an international phase out of toxic, mercury-ladened fluorescent lamps any longer as cost-effective, energy-efficient LED alternatives are widely availability across the globe.

Markets around the world are prepared to take quick action to turn off the tap of toxic mercury lighting, ushering in a new era of equitable, safe LED lighting.

A new report from the Clean Lighting Coalition, supported by our global partners, adds to the mounting evidence calling for an end to the already dwindling production, export and import of fluorescent lamps. The report reviews market data from the Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean regions.

The data highlight that energy efficient, mercury-free LED alternatives for linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) and compact fluorescent lamps with a non-integrated ballast (CFLnis) are ready to meet international lighting demand now – supporting health, economic, and climate and pollution mitigation targets.

LED manufacturing is booming in every region CLiC investigated, according to the report, and the lamps pay for themselves quickly in energy savings. Global LED stock is projected to keep growing and the major manufacturers are  prepared to meet lamp by lamp replacement of fluorescents at the end of their useful life – a strategy that avoids an influx of mercury waste to manage while also stopping new mercury from entering the market.

The 147 Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury Fifth Conference of the Parties (COP5) have the opportunity to protect the global communities, particularly underregulated markets, from the dangers of fluorescent bulbs. The report illustrates that the longer we needlessly wait to phase out all remaining fluorescents, the more each country risks.

It’s time to say #FarewelltoFluorescents – read the report and explore CLiC’s new LED manufacturing map to learn more about the clear roadmap to end toxic lighting once and for all.

Read & download the reports

At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, 15 countries signed onto the Super-efficient Appliance and Equipment Deployment (SEAD) Initiative Appliance Efficiency Call to Action—estimated to be the largest energy efficiency commitment ever. The 15 signatories pledged to double the energy efficiency of four priority product categories by 2030: air conditioners (ACs), lighting, electric motors, and refrigerators, which collectively account for more than 40% of global electricity consumption.

“Getting Appliances Back on Track: Assessing Global Efficiency Progress,” evaluates economies’ progress toward the goal of doubling product efficiency, including the 15 signatories plus four top-emitting economies. The report also provides insight into the leading policy levers for accelerating appliance efficiency efforts – including examples of effective implementation of key interventions like minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and appliance energy labeling.

“Getting Appliances Back on Track” offers valuable analysis to economies already committed to prioritizing appliance energy efficiency, and illustrates a path toward success for governments interested in joining as a Call to Action signatory.

This report continues analysis from World’s Best MEPS, which provided a snapshot of the stringency of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for key products across top-emitting economies.

“Getting Appliances Back on Track” is the first publication of CLASP’s #NetZeroHeroes COP28 digital campaign, which will shine a light on the critical role of appliance energy efficiency in the lead-up to climate discussions at COP28.

Building upon the insights presented in Efficiency for Access’ 2021 Solar Appliance Technology Briefs, this Tech Trends series provides a window into the rapidly evolving appliances markets. This series synthesizes technical, impact and market research done by Efficiency for Access and partners into a digestible snapshot. It offers valuable insights into emerging trends and opportunities across various off-grid appropriate appliances that are most relevant to catalyzing energy access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, along with a focus on identifying critical areas that require attention, complemented by specific recommendations.

The technologies covered in this series encompass:

• Electric cooking (e-cooking)
• Fans
• Refrigerators
• Solar mills
• Solar water pumps
• Walk-in cold rooms

We will be releasing the appliance market summaries successively over the next few months.

This comprehensive series aims to inform future strategies of industry stakeholders, providing a clear understanding of the market’s trajectory. It serves as a valuable, quick-read resource for a diverse audience, ranging from interested donors and newcomers to the appliance sector to seasoned industry players seeking a convenient reference for sharing with their respective networks.

Download the 2023 Tech Trends in Energy Access technology briefs.

About Efficiency for Access

Efficiency for Access is a global coalition working to promote renewable and energy efficient appliances to deliver clean energy to the world’s poorest people. It is coordinated jointly by CLASP and the UK’s Energy Saving Trust.

The inefficient¹ ACs flooding the region are manufactured by multinational companies, which produce high-efficiency models for their domestic markets. This practice of ‘appliance dumping’ takes advantage of loopholes in national regulations, posing a severe threat to the planet, exacerbating climate change, straining energy grids, and increasing energy costs for consumers.

This report by CLASP, with support from the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD), documents that five of the six Southeast Asian markets studied – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam – are saturated with low-efficiency room air conditioners (ACs), while only Singapore has efficient ACs with less-damaging refrigerants.

The soaring temperatures and record heatwaves that plague Southeast Asia have led to a surge in demand for residential air conditioning. However, the report reveals that if all six countries put an end to the dumping of inefficient ACs, it could result in a reduction of over 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 25 years. Additionally, the region would save a cumulative USD 148 billion, exceeding the combined energy investment of the six analyzed countries over the last quarter century (USD 134 billion).

Key findings of the report include:

• The dominant multinational brands responsible for this dumping are headquartered in China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Since the majority of electricity in Southeast Asia is generated by fossil fuels, energy-intensive RACs contribute towards substantial indirect carbon emissions.
• In 2021, a notable 74% of total sales (6.2 million units) in the six markets were classified as low efficiency. However, sales of low-efficiency RACs vary by country. Indonesia and the Philippines are the most exposed to dated technology, with 97% and 78% of RACs, respectively, falling into this category, while in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand the number is around 60%. Singapore had the most efficient RAC market, with just 21% of total sales being low-efficiency models.
• Most RACs imported to Southeast Asia do not meet the applicable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) of the export countries. This means these inefficient units are banned from being sold in the brands’ domestic markets. Approximately 93% of RACs imported into Southeast Asia from China do not meet the efficiency requirements of China MEPS. 59% of RAC exports from South Korea to Southeast Asia and 21% of RAC exports from Japan to Southeast Asia are below the brands’ home-country requirements.
• The six Southeast Asian RAC markets use HFC refrigerants that have high GWPs. R-410A, an obsolete refrigerant scheduled for phasedown under the Montreal Protocol, has a GWP of 2,088, meaning it is over 2,000 times the potency of carbon dioxide. RACs containing R-410A accounted for 35% of Southeast Asia sales in 2021, measuring highest in Singapore (90%) and Thailand (66%).