Topten Europe, USA and China: Reaching a critical mass to face the global appliance market

摘要

Topten selects and presents the most energy efficient productson national markets. A milestone for the Topten network wasachieved in 2010, when, additionally to 15 European websites,TopTen USA and China were launched. Topten is now presentin countries responsible for 55 % of the global energy consumptionand CO2 emissions. Topten needs a critical massof visitors and international presence in order to successfullycontribute to a market transformation towards high efficiencyproducts. Within Europe, a critical mass of national Toptensites has been reached. The European site ‘Best of Europe’showcases the best available technology (BAT) across Europeand addresses policy makers, large buyers, researchersand manufacturers rather than consumers. TopTen USA hasstarted with 10 product categories and includes user-friendlyfeatures such as a search tool for rebate programmes and directlinks to online shops and price comparisons. TopTen USAis building up partnerships with key NGOs, developing pilotprojects with utilities and optimising its ranking in search enginesin order to attract large numbers of visitors. Topten Chinadisplays the most efficient models of 8 product categories asa starting point. First compliance tests by Topten China haveshown that most manufacturers declare the efficiency grade oftheir products correctly and that most products do meet theperformance requirements.The presence of Topten in different markets allows to makedifferences in BAT products visible and to promote a wideavailability of the best products. Topten plans to expand furtherto allow for more cross-continental research and comparisons.