Foodservice industry is becoming a focus for the ETL
The UK government’s Energy Technology List (ETL) has
the potential to be a key driver in the greening of the foodservice
industry. Buyers using the ETL know that
the products it contains are in the top 25% in terms of energy performance. Manufacturers
understand that, with growing interest in sustainability, it’s increasingly
important to be part of the list.
FEA is working with the Department
for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and its delivery partners, to
promote the ETL, assist in updating criteria for product categories, and to
help develop new initiatives.
“The foodservice product
sections of the site have generated considerable interest and growth, both in
terms of buyers visiting the site and manufacturers joining the list,” says Tom
Lock, Programme Director for the ETL. “So much so that the industry has become a
focus for us.”
Examples of the growth in the list include combination
ovens, with nearly
60 models, and professional refrigerated storage cabinets, with nearly 70
models listed.
One of the upcoming initiatives that Tom has been consulting
FEA on is the proposed Payback Calculator, which will help buyers work out
potential savings for selected models, based on energy use and running
costs. John Cunningham - FEA’s chief
executive, says, “We’re very keen on the Payback Calculator – it’s a great
concept that will bring real benefits to buyers and encourage them in their
decision to go green. It’s a simple
idea, but working out the correct calculator parameters is complicated and it’s
vital that the results are accurate.” The
ETL plans to launch the Calculator in the coming months.
The ETL has around 8,000 independently verified products
listed, so another area of consultation is a new product finder, to help buyers
navigate the list. “We’re looking at ways
to present a focused number of product categories that are relevant to
hospitality buyers, so they can get to them quickly,” says Tom. “There are 65 sub-technologies within the
ETL, the new system might present the hospitality buyer with a choice of, say,
15, which are specific to the market.”
A new feature on the ETL site is the ability for suppliers
to add tabs to individual product listings, one to access technical data sheets
and another for BIM objects. FEA members
are already taking advantage of this, and are also invited to submit case studies to be
featured on the website, helping buyers make informed decisions.
“The work we are doing with ICF on the ETL is a prime
example of how collaboration and cooperation can bring tangible benefits for
FEA members,” says John. “We look
forward to continuing and strengthening the relationship.”
Anyone with questions relating to the ETL, please write to info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk,
or contact FEA.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment
industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain
all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen
schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
The Publicity Works: 01263 761000; fea@publicityworks.biz
For more news about FEA visit the press office at www.publicityworks.biz
John Cunningham, FEA chief executive: 020 7793 3030