Russia Launches its First Endorsement Label

On September 18, 2013, representatives from the Association of European Business (AEB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) gathered in Moscow to recognize the launch of Russia’s first energy efficiency endorsement label.

RusEndorsement

The design and launch of the new voluntary label was a joint project by AEB and EBRD, the purpose of which is to stimulate investment in energy efficient equipment in Russia – reducing energy use, improving the quality of goods, and modernizing manufacturing processes. To link information to investment, the label was developed in close cooperation with the Russian Sustainable Energy Efficiency Facility (RuSEFF), which provides credit lines to local financial institutions for financing energy efficiency projects in the industrial and residential sectors, also called “green loans.”

CLASP provided international expertise and technical assistance on the design and operation of the labeling program, with support from the Government of Finland and the SEAD Initiative. This was part of a collaboration between the CLASP and EBRD on its Efficient Russia Equipment project – the same project for which CLASP conducted its cooling mapping report and Russian translation of our MV&E Guidebook.

The endorsement label will function as a voluntary certification, designed to inform consumers about energy efficient products and stimulate their demand in the market. Unlike Russia’s comparative label, which is implemented by the Russian Energy Agency, the endorsement labeling program will be independently managed by AEB. Manufacturers will participate on a voluntary basis, complying with the collectively-established requirements of the program in order to be allowed to display the label.

Lindsay Forbes, EBRD Director Industry, Commerce and Agribusiness, Russia, commented at the launch event, “The new label offers an important opportunity for Russia since companies investing in modern energy efficient equipment can help reduce costs and improve their competiveness with significant environmental benefits.” CLASP was among several organizations who received honorable mentions at the launch.

The label will start appearing on appliances and building materials sold in Russia by the end of the year. In its initial stages, the program will be open to manufacturers of some types of electric motors, household refrigerators and freezers, and windows and glazing, with plans to expand to other products later on.

Other Sources:

AEB Press Release
Moscow Times

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