Fuel report
Energy Efficiency 2020
Appliances & equipment
Growth in energy use by household appliances shows no signs of decelerating, yet only one-third of appliance energy use today is covered by mandatory performance standards.
Read more
While energy policies have led to efficiency gains, especially for major household goods such as refrigerators and televisions, small appliances and plug-load devices globally are not aligned with global climate goals.
Consumer electronics, connected devices and other small plug-loads, which are proliferating rapidly, continue to be unregulated in most countries. Expanded policy coverage and increased stringency are needed in all countries.
Consumer electronics, connected devices and other small plug-loads, which are proliferating rapidly, continue to be unregulated in most countries. Expanded policy coverage and increased stringency are needed in all countries.
Last updated Aug 27, 2020
Key findings
Consumption by household appliances and plug loads by region in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030
OpenOnly one-third of appliance energy use today is covered by mandatory performance standards
Electricity consumption by household appliances continues to increase. It reached over 3 000 TWh in 2019 and accounted for 15% of global final electricity demand, or one-quarter of electricity used in buildings. Demand is driven by rising ownership of connected plug-load devices, especially in developing countries that are becoming wealthier. Mandatory Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) cover one-third of the energy used, mainly for large household appliances, but smaller plug loads, including consumer electronics, are less well regulated. Greater policy coverage and stringency will be needed to realise the SDS.
Analysis
Commentary
How appliances have supported a world in lockdown and what this means for energy efficiency
Tracking report
Appliances and Equipment
Tracking progress 2020
Report
Achievements of appliance energy efficiency standards and labelling programs
Report
Raising the Profile of Energy Efficiency in China
Report
Can Energy-Efficient Electrical Appliances be considered 'Environmental Goods'?
Reports
Our work
The aims of the 4E TCP are to promote energy efficiency as the key to ensuring safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems. As an international platform for collaboration between governments, the 4E TCP provides policy guidance to its members and other governments concerning energy using equipment and systems. The 4E TCP prioritises technologies and applications with significant energy consumption and energy saving potential within the residential, commercial and industrial sectors (not including transport). To meet its aims, the 4E TCP harnesses the expertise of governments, industry, experts and other TCPs for joint research related to the development and deployment of energy efficient equipment.