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In what is seen as a major step forward towards achieving a low-carbon economy, Qatar is likely to make “energy-efficiency labelling” mandatory for different types of air-conditioners later this year.
Once this is introduced, which a source said could be from September 1, only energy-labelled air-conditioners, both window and split units, and heat pumps could be sold in Qatar.
Besides the manufacturer’s name and country of origin, each unit must also properly display among other details, its energy-efficiency ratio (EER).
A major distributor of household electrical appliances yesterday told Gulf Times that each such unit would have a “star rating” based on the energy it consumes.
“If Qatar follows Indian or the neighbouring UAE standards then there might up to six star categories of air-conditioners. The lower the energy consumption, the more stars a unit gets,” he said.
Another distributor hailed the move and said the energy-efficiency labelling based on QS (Laboratories and Standardisation Affairs) standards would ensure that only quality brands got marketed in the country.
“Only quality technology can ensure low energy consumption on a long term basis. All major global brands run on this kind of technology,” he said.
Energy-efficiency labelling and minimum energy-performance standard will have to be met by “single package” (such as window type) and split-type non-ducted air-conditioners using air and water cooled condensers and ducted air-conditioners using air-to-air heat pumps, it is learnt.
In the UAE, the energy efficiency labelling system for window type and split-system was rolled out in 2011. Subsequently, it was extended to lamps, washing machines and ducted ACs.
A GOIC data shows Qatar imported air-conditioners worth $240mn (about QR874mn) in 2011.
With Qatar currently seeing a construction boom, the import and sale of air-conditioners are expected to increase manifold in the years ahead. Also, the per capita usage of air-conditioners in Qatar and the GCC are among the highest in the world due to the region’s extreme heat conditions.
Energy-consuming air-conditioners are highly carbon-intensive and contribute to the carbon footprint. By enforcing rules on energy efficiency, Qatar seeks to save valuable electrical energy and thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint.
In line with the global initiative on reducing the carbon footprint, all major global manufacturers of electrical household gadgets, including ACs, have come out with a range of “innovative and green” products, which are available in the market.