Star Rating Programme of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Source: PIB & WRI

During its 19th foundation day, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) launched the Star rating programme for Deep Freezer and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC)

About Star Labeling Programme

• The programme has been formulated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, as part of its mandate, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 
• Under this Programme, BEE has covered 24 appliances till date wherein 10 appliances are under the mandatory regime. 
• On the occasion of 19th foundation day, BEE has expanded the coverage by including Energy Efficient “Deep Freezers” and “Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC)”. 
• Through the launch of these two new appliances under the voluntary regime, 26 appliances would now be covered under this programme. 
• The Star Labeling Programme for Deep Freezer has been launched on a voluntary basis and the energy consumption standards will be effective up to 31st December 2021. 
• The program covers hardtop and glass top chest type Deep Freezer of all capacities complying with requirements of IS 302-2-24 for safety and IS 7872 for energy performance.
• The performance benchmarks/ energy consumption standards are based on Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year) of Deep Freezers. 
• The commercial refrigeration sector primarily consists of Deep Freezers and it is poised to multiply 2-fold over the next decade leading to increased electricity demand. Through this initiative, it is expected to save around 6.2 Billion Units by FY2030, which is equivalent to Green House Gas (GHG) reduction of 5.3-million-ton of Carbon Dioxide.
• The existing BEE star labelling program for Air Conditioners is based on Indian Standard IS 1391 part 1, part 2 and covers AC with cooling capacities up to 10.5kW. 
• In order to cover split ACs beyond the scope of existing BEE star labelling program up to a cooling capacity of 18kW, BEE has prepared a star labelling program for split ACs having cooling capacities in excess of 10.5kW and upto 18.0 kW. This category of Air conditioners is termed as “Light Commercial Air-conditioners (LCAC)” primarily due to their application in commercial air conditioning.
• The program will be initially launched on voluntary mode from 2nd March 2020 to 31st December 2021. Thereafter, it will be made mandatory after reviewing the degree of market transformation in this particular segment of appliances.
• Through this initiative, it is expected to save around 2.8 Billion Units by FY2030, which is equivalent to Green House Gas (GHG) reduction of 2.4-million-ton Carbon Dioxide.

Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT)

• During the event, Urja Dakshata Information Tool (UDIT), a first-ever initiative taken by BEE with the World Resources Institute (WRI), to facilitate a database on energy e­fficiency was launched. 
• UDIT is a user-friendly platform that explains the energy efficiency landscape of India across industry, appliances, building, transport, municipal and agriculture sectors. 
• UDIT will also showcase the capacity building and new initiatives taken up by the Government across the sectors in the increasing energy efficiency domain.