Energy savings potential from simple standby reduction devices in the Netherlands

Abstract

In the last decades new lifestyle trends led to a high proliferation rate of domestic appliances that raises overall standby energy consumption. This study investigates the energy savings and CO2 reduction potential and the economic benefits in a Dutch household in two situations: (1) the use of the best available technology (BAT) that already exists in the market and (2) the willingness of consumers to use switch off devices in their households and (3) the Effectiveness of the Ecodesign Directive in relevance with standby consumption. With the use of energy loggers, data collected from 44 Dutch households, and a database of 418 electrical appliances was created. Measurements showed a significant energy savings potential in Dutch households with the use of standby reduction devices in the existing stock. Savings can be further increased by enhancing consumer awareness especially by providing information on individual level. The Ecodesign Directive and BAT case resulted lower in energy savings potential as they largely depend on the replacement of existing stock of appliances in households.