The ETL (or Energy Technology Product List, ETPL) is a government list of energy-efficient products that are being recommended to further improve the planet, moving away from traditional solutions. In order for a product to be listed, it must meet the ETL’s robust energy saving criteria – typically set at the top 25% of products in the market. The ETL gives the added reassurance to purchasers of measured and verified energy performance.
The ETL aims to encourage the purchase of lighting controls that realise energy savings by automatically switching or dimming lighting. Five different categories of lighting control are covered by the ETL:
- Time controllers to automatically switch off lighting at predetermined times.
- Presence detectors with associated switching controllers that monitor occupancy and automatically switch off or dim lighting when not required.
- Daylight detectors with associated switching controllers that monitor daylight and automatically switch off lighting when daylight is sufficient.
- Daylight detectors with associated dimming controllers that monitor daylight availability and automatically dim lighting to the level needed.
- Central control units that manage the operation of electric lighting installations including some or all of the categories of lighting controls above.
- White LED Lighting Modules for Backlit Illuminated Signs
These categories were added to the ETL due to the substantial energy savings that can be achieved through using efficient lighting units, considering the longevity of illumination. White LED lighting modules must be integrated with electronic control gear to meet ETL criteria. They must include one or more LED light fittings.
It is estimated that 20% of all energy consumption in the UK is the responsibility of lighting with this cost rising to 40% for some businesses. Costs of LED lighting have dropped dramatically in recent years, and they are estimated to use 80% less energy that traditional light bulbs. So what funding is available?
ECA Scheme
ECA is Enhanced Capital Allowance. It is a government initiative aimed at encouraging businesses to move towards a greener future. It does this by offering incentives to invest in energy saving plant and machinery, such as LED lighting, that may otherwise be too expensive for a business to install.
First year allowances let a business set 100% of the assets against taxable profits.
The ECA has an Enhanced Technology List (ETL) which highlights products with ‘super green credentials’.
Further details of the scheme can be found here:
The Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust describes itself as ‘an independent, expert partner of leading organisations around the world, helping them contribute to and benefit from a more sustainable future through carbon reduction, resource efficiency strategies and commercialising low carbon technologies.’
The Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 for small and medium sized UK businesses to purchase and install energy efficient equipment such as LED lighting.
You can find out more at their website here:
https://www.carbontrust.com/home/
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) annually reviews the technologies and products that qualify for inclusion. The ETL is managed on behalf of BEIS by the Carbon Trust and ICF.
How to find out if equipment meets ETL standards
Listed ETL technologies: Search the ETL website to see a full list of eligible equipment.
“Unlisted” ETL technologies: Businesses should seek confirmation from their supplier or installer that the equipment complies with ETL performance standards prior to purchase.
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems: The equipment & design must be assessed by the CHPQA & receive a certificate of energy efficiency.
Businesses with questions about the ETL should first visit the website at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-technology-list
The ETL team can be contacted at ETLQuestions@carbontrust.com or on 0300 330 0657 for more information, or if you have any questions that need answering.