Abstract

The lack of information regarding unit consumption and relative performances of appliances on sale is often highlighted as a reason for the low interest of consumers in energy efficiency. As a consequence several energy labelling programmes has been implemented in different countries in order to facilitate the dissemination of more efficient appliances, with mixed results. Generally, evidence fails to prove that labelling schemes have a major influence on the purchasing behaviour of a large number of consumers. Among others, the influence of retailers on the final choice of the consumer may explain this limited impact.

On the contrary, our analysis of a French pilot programme in the Region ?Nord - Pas de Calais? shows that retailers may greatly improve the efficiency of a labelling scheme. When it is integrated in the commercial strategy of the retailer, the modification of the supply structure according to the efficiency criteria and active support from the salesmen can strongly boost the message of the energy label and orientate the consumers towards more efficient appliances.

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Panels of

Panel 2: Incentives and instruments to achive greater

Panel 1: Energy Efficiency policies, programmes and their links

Panel 4: Human dimensions of energy use and efficiency

Panel 3: Energy Efficiency options for industry

Panel 5: Energy efficiency in transport