Reduction in energy consumption

14 million households in Poland consume nearly 30 TWh of electricity each year, or 20% of the electricity consumption of the entire national economy. Household appliances, of which there are about 200 million units working every day, consume more than half of this energy.

Electricity consumption continues to rise, driven by citizens’ higher standards of living and comfort, increased purchases of electrical and electronic appliances, growing demand for air conditioning, or use of new media such as the Internet.

As part of its climate goals, the European Commission has introduced and is systematically improving two key energy-saving tools. These are the energy label and eco-design requirements for energy-related appliances. Together, they are responsible for meeting half of the European Union’s 2020 energy reduction target and a third of the CO2 reduction target.

The main purpose of labeling is to raise consumer awareness of actual energy consumption, and through this to influence the decision to purchase a particular good. Ecodesign, on the other hand, ensures improved environmental performance of products throughout their life cycle by setting minimum requirements for equipment placed on the EU market (e.g., minimum energy consumption).