Efficiency of Energy Related Products and Energy Information Regulations – Qualitative Interviews

Descriptions

Notice summary: The project comprises 20 qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of stakeholders affected by 2 energy efficiency and product labelling regulations. The interviews for the first regulation must be prioritised and delivered to a tight deadline. Description: This work is intended to provide qualitative information on the implementation of The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and The Energy Information Regulations 2011. •The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products (Amendment) Regulations 2011 Provides the National Measurement Office (NMO) with the ability to use civil sanctions and cost-sharing as well as criminal sanctions in the event of companies not complying with energy efficiency requirements of specified products. This was intended to safeguard Eco-design through enabling a proportionate, effective and dissuasive penalty regime and drive energy efficiency in UK products. •The Energy Information Regulations 2011 Provides the National Measurement Office (NMO) with the ability to use civil sanctions and cost-sharing as well as criminal sanctions in the event of companies not complying with their legal requirement of manufacturers of specified types of products to provide, and retailers to display, accurate labels that indicate the energy efficiency of their products. This was intended to increase compliance with energy labelling to inform the consumer and help them save energy. The overall questions to be answered by the reviews are: •Has the regulation achieved its original objectives? •Are these objectives still valid? •Is the regulation still required, does it remain the best option for achieving those objectives?; and •Can the regulation be improved to reduce the burden on business and its overall costs? This qualitative research will inform these reviews by: •Consulting with a variety of external stakeholders on the effects of two regulations and their implementation on business. •Establishing if there were any unintended consequences of the regulations or scope for improvement in their implementation, •Reporting stakeholders views on what lessons can be learned about the implementation of these regulations