Energy efficient equipment. Equipment for energy saving in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems

Tax incentives are provided for companies that support the state in matters of energy supply. In this article we will look at what you need to pay attention to when developing an accounting policy for tax accounting purposes, as well as what documents will be needed to apply benefits.

Since 2009, the authorities have been constantly addressing the issue of improving the energy efficiency of production and housing and communal services.

With enviable regularity over the past 5 years, the country's top officials have made statements about the importance of this task. YES. Medvedev, in his Address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in 2010, established a plan for increasing energy efficiency by 2020 by 40 percent compared to 2007 levels.

Legislation was supplemented with regulations that stimulate energy saving. The Tax Code of the Russian Federation is no exception to the rule: three tax benefits are provided for taxpayers who are ready to support the Government in matters of energy saving.

Tax incentives for energy efficient equipment

Taxpayers have the right to apply a special coefficient to the depreciation rate, but not more than two in relation to depreciable fixed assets that have high energy efficiency (clause 4, clause 1, article 259.3 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

The list of such objects is established by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of April 16, 2012 N 308. An increasing factor can also be applied to objects that have a high energy efficiency class, if in relation to these objects, in accordance with the legislation, the definition of such classes is provided (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 31 2009 N 1222).

The advantage of applying coefficient 2 to the depreciation rate is extremely effective from an economic point of view. Increasing depreciation allows you to free up cash, which in turn is very important now. There is clearly a lack of liquidity in the market, which further increases the cost of borrowed funds. At the same time, the accounting profit reflected in the statements will only increase, unlike the tax profit.

In capital-intensive industries, the economic effect of recalculating depreciation using a coefficient of 2 gives such a result that the indicated funds for three years are comparable to the amounts for the current investment program.

The disadvantages of this benefit include the complete lack of expediency given the tax losses in the analyzed periods.

We also note that in relation to fixed assets registered before January 1, 2014, the right to apply coefficient 2 applies if these objects are operated in extended shift mode or in aggressive environment. For this reason, accountants have asked the question of applying “energy efficient” benefits relatively recently. In addition, companies are exempt from property tax in relation to newly introduced facilities that have high energy efficiency or a high energy efficiency class. This exemption is valid for three years from the date of registration of the specified property.

As in the case of using a multiplying factor, it should be noted negative sides the specified benefit. Since 2013, tax policy regarding property tax has been changing: the Ministry of Finance seeks to completely exempt movable property from taxation. And the objects listed in the above Resolutions are mainly movable property.

Tax preferences for investments in energy efficient facilities

An investment tax credit can be granted to a company that pays the relevant tax. The basis for this may be the company's investment in the creation of facilities with the highest energy efficiency class. In particular, for the purposes of obtaining an investment tax credit, the fact of directing funds to create:

Facilities related to renewable energy sources and (or) related to thermal energy production facilities, electrical energy, having a coefficient useful action more than 57 percent;

Other objects and technologies that have high energy efficiency, in accordance with the Lists approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 29, 2013 N 637 (clause 5, clause 1, article 67 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

Such a financial and legal institution as an investment tax credit has existed in Russia since 1991 (Law of the Russian Federation of December 20, 1991 “On investment tax credit”). Receiving funds for use with a lending rate from one-half to three-quarters of the refinancing rate of the Bank of Russia (paragraph 3, paragraph 6, article 67 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation) is very effective solution for many investment projects. In addition, when investing in energy-efficient facilities, a tax credit can be provided in the amount of up to 100 percent of such investments (clause 1, clause 2, article 67 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

It should be noted here: the inspectorate is not obliged to provide a tax credit. To provide a tax credit is the right of the tax authority. It was not possible to challenge the corresponding position in court (Resolution of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Moscow District dated July 5, 2013 in case No. A40-117434/12-115-837).

Possibilities for applying benefits in practice

So, three tax benefits refer to three Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of April 16, 2012 N 308, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 31, 2009 N 1222, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 29, 2013 N 637). For convenience, we will show in the form of a table which Resolution provides for the corresponding preferences.

To understand the correct application of benefits, we will analyze the information contained in each Resolution.

This Resolution provides for the application of an increasing factor of 2 to the depreciation rate, as well as tax exemption for three years from the date of commissioning of the fixed asset. Resolution No. 308 contains a List of equipment with 132 items, OKOF codes, criteria for facilities to confirm energy efficiency, and their threshold values. In general, the criteria determine the ratio of the amount of energy required to operate the equipment to its useful effect.

The list of equipment and the corresponding OKOF codes specified in the Resolution is not an exhaustive list of potentially preferential equipment. Thus, clause 47 indicates class code 14 2912000 “Pumps and compressor equipment.” This means that under this clause it is possible to apply the benefit to all equipment within the class.

We remind you that in accordance with the All-Russian Classifier of Fixed Assets, the hierarchy of codes is as follows: X0 0000000 - section; XX 0000000 - subsection, XX XXXX000 - class, XX XXXX0XX - subclass, XX XXXXXXX - type.

The criteria for each equipment are different, but in the entire Resolution there are four of them:

Specific energy consumption;

Efficiency;

Recycling share.

In this case, the specified characteristics can be taken from technical documents supplied by the manufacturer, or calculated independently based on the units of measurement specified in the manufacturer’s technical documentation (Letter of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated January 25, 2013 N 03-05-05-01/05) .

Thus, it is not enough to obtain a guarantee from the supplier that the purchased equipment is the most energy efficient of its kind. Confirmation is required - calculation of the energy efficiency indicator, which is named in Resolution No. 308.

In relation to this Resolution, the full list of benefits discussed in this article applies: an increasing depreciation rate, a property tax benefit, the possibility of obtaining a tax credit.

But the list of equipment named in this List is not interesting from the point of view of applying benefits. Firstly, it uses inexpensive household appliances: refrigerators, televisions, and even light bulbs. Secondly, the listed equipment, except for elevators, is movable property, which means that even the most minimal effect is neutralized.

This Resolution provides a potential opportunity to receive an investment tax credit.

Based on the provisions of paragraph 1 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 29, 2013 N 637, we can conclude that the use of equipment and technologies indicates the obligation of the fiscal authorities to enter into an agreement on a tax credit. At the same time, the Tax Code of the Russian Federation is the law, and the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation is a by-law, which is developed in pursuance of the federal law.

This means that the taxpayer will not have an unconditional right to the benefit. The decision to grant a tax credit is made by the body authorized to make decisions on changing the deadlines for paying taxes and fees (Article 63 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

Resolution No. 637 contains a List of objects, OKOF and OKP codes and justification for the energy efficiency of equipment. If the specified equipment is included in an investment project and its purpose corresponds to the purposes specified in the List, then it makes sense to apply for an investment tax credit.

Also, Resolution No. 637 contains a List of objects and technologies that are classified as high energy efficiency objects based on the compliance of the objects with the established values of the energy efficiency indicator, the implementation of investments in the creation of which is the basis for the provision of an investment tax credit.

This List is similar in structure to Resolution No. 308 of April 16, 2012. Note that the following data has been added to the List: OKP code and regulatory and technical documents establishing the requirements for the energy efficiency indicator.

This data can significantly reduce the possibility of using the List. Resolution No. 308 does not contain data on what documents can confirm energy efficiency. The Russian Ministry of Finance indicated in letters that a calculation method can be applied to confirm the energy efficiency of fixed assets (Letters dated August 20, 2013 N 03-05-04-01/33917, dated August 15, 2013 N 03-03-06/ 1/33221). If the analyzed List indicates as a confirmation document technical certificate, then any other version of proof (calculation, letter of guarantee from the manufacturer) will be reasonably rejected by the tax authority.

Tax incentives for the implementation of energy efficiency in the Russian Federation

To summarize, we can conclude that the property tax benefit introduced in 2012 is practically losing its significance. Since movable property recorded on the balance sheet from January 1, 2013 is exempt from taxation.

At the same time, the application of coefficient 2 to fixed assets since 2011 can provide a good incentive. But practice shows that tax lawyers are more willing to apply a similar benefit to facilities put into operation before January 1, 2014, if the equipment operates in extended shift mode (clause 1, clause 1, article 259.3 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation).

As for the investment tax credit, we note that the practice of providing it is unknown: the information provided is a tax secret. Although this is a powerful tool for stimulating business, its use can lead to increased corruption. Therefore, the practice of its use is small.

In general, the validity of the application of benefits provided for by the Tax Code of the Russian Federation is difficult to prove. Indicators listed in the lists in technical documents, as a rule, are absent. This means that in order to receive benefits you need to calculate them. However, none of the departments indicated the method for calculating them.

Problems of applying benefits related to fixed assets

The problem of applying tax benefits in relation to fixed assets is typical in almost any organization.

Engineering specialists put fixed assets into operation and are responsible for the operation of the equipment. They also fill out documents on putting objects into operation. For some fixed assets, you can write a whole treatise, which OKOF to assign and in what cases. Often, the OKOF that was assigned earlier or that is found more quickly in the Classifier is assigned. Technical specialists do not decide how to take fixed assets into account in order to save on taxes or reduce the risks of additional charges.

The accounting of fixed assets is carried out by an accountant, and he makes decisions on the application of benefits. But it works with already completed documents. And often an incorrectly entered OKOF code or an incorrect definition of an inventory item can make the application of a legal benefit impossible. At the same time, the risk of claims from tax authorities increases significantly.

In-house lawyers of companies could analyze arbitration practice on issues of enforcing benefits and correct the actions of accountants and engineers, but they are too busy with current affairs: collection of accounts receivable, arbitration disputes with counterparties and work with procurement activities. In addition, working with tax arbitration cases has its own characteristics. It is very important to pay attention not only to the circumstances of the cases, but also to the documents that the taxpayer presented to the court and the tax authority to substantiate his position.

To create an effective tax system, the skills and knowledge of all of the above employees are required. Otherwise, there is always the possibility of overpayment of unnecessary taxes to the budget or the risk of additional charges from inspectorates.

Climate control systems of buildings consume a significant amount of energy resources, which ultimately affects operating costs, many different energy-saving schemes have been developed to reduce these costs. Often the main way to save is to combine systems, excess heat from one system is transferred to another, or equipment is initially designed with low energy consumption or using renewable resources, or resources of lower cost.

Main types of energy saving equipment

Equipment with low energy consumption

Almost all modern equipment can be included in this category, because technologies are developing, and the energy efficiency class is regularly raised, so simply replacing existing equipment with newer and more economical ones is already one of the ways to save energy.

Energy-saving equipment using green energy sources

This type of equipment includes solar, wind and earth energy, in the context of our systems this is the use of solar collectors for hot water supply and heating systems, as well as the use of geothermal heat pumps with ground collectors. Such equipment, of course, consumes not only green energy, but also electricity, but it is used mainly for energy transfer, and not for creation. For example, in solar collectors electricity is only needed to operate the pumps and automation system. In the case of a heat pump, electricity is also spent on heat generation, or, more precisely, on conversion, but it is used much more efficiently, and if you use a ground collector for cooling, you can really only get by with electricity to operate the pump to pump water. Our sewerage system design company, ventilation, heating and others engineering systems, through a variety of projects designed and installed, has accumulated significant experience in the use of combinations of different resources and equipment for all building engineering systems.

Energy-saving equipment using cheaper resources

This type of equipment can include solid fuel boilers, since it is cheaper than gas, or the use of heat pumps and even the use of electricity as the main source of heat, while the electric boiler operates at night at a cheap rate and heats the storage tank, which is consumed during days when the electricity tariff is higher.

Equipment for energy saving in heating

You can save money in heating systems by using and combining various sources heat pumps, such as a heat pump, solid fuel boiler and even solar collectors. The essence of the systems is that the equipment has its limitations, and when, for example, for the operation of an air heat pump it was too cold to turn on another system. In case of solid fuel boiler, whose power control system is not very flexible, you can use a storage tank to accumulate excess heat during combustion and use it the rest of the time, and in case you forgot to add fuel, there is always a gas or other boiler in reserve. The greatest efficiency can be achieved in the heating segment of private residential buildings and cottages. By combining heat sources and using energy prices, you can achieve significant savings; you can do this manually, or you can rely on automation systems; a number of different weather-dependent controllers have been specially developed for this. Controller sensors are installed in the return pipeline, in the supply pipeline, outdoors, indoors, and a control signal is also supplied to the three-way control valve of the system and to the boilers. Receiving information from all sensors and sending regulatory signals to the actuators, the controller controls the operation of the system according to configured algorithms.

Equipment for energy saving in air conditioning

There are not many energy-saving technologies that can be used in air conditioning systems; the most efficient systems are ground collectors, but they are mainly suitable only for small buildings with the availability of land for the device. Thus, the most effective systems can be used mainly in the niche of cottages and private country houses. But not everything is so bad, you can save money in air conditioning using intelligent systems, in particular, multi-zone systems are the most effective, thanks to a large range of power control, weekly programs and effective system control of this type allow significant energy savings. In energy saving systems, it is also possible to use the condensation heat of outdoor units technical refrigeration equipment and use it to heat water DHW systems or other production needs.

Equipment for energy saving in ventilation systems

Heating and cooling air consumes a lot of resources and throws it away exhaust systems to the street is not very effective, so ventilation was developed air heat exchangers– recuperators. Efficiency supply and exhaust systems with a recuperator it can reach 75%, depending on the type of recuperator. The essence of the work is to heat and cool the supply air supplied to the room due to the exhaust air removed. The use of frequency controllers and various sensors can also reduce energy costs by reducing air volume during non-operating or part-load operating hours.

In this article we will get acquainted with technical devices that save energy, heat and water in rooms. By installing this equipment in educational institutions, you will find solutions to energy efficiency problems. Simple, like the school “twice two.” But they are a guarantee of savings.

5 types of energy-saving equipment

Before we talk about these important energy-saving devices, a few words about meters. After all, they can rightfully be considered one of the specific measures to increase energy efficiency. Educational institutions will benefit a lot if they put savings on water, electricity, heat and gas on the meter. With their help, unnecessary energy resources are not consumed, and you will have to pay less for what you use. Each meter is beneficial in terms of savings - utility bills are reduced by at least three times. And that's without taking into account that important fact that any meter installed in an educational institution pays for itself quite quickly.

Window. We insulate and install double-glazed windows

Energy-saving glass is the first and, perhaps, main protection against heat loss. A special thin coating on the glass allows visible light to pass through and retains thermal radiation. Energy-saving double-glazed windows have many undeniable advantages:

single-chamber double-glazed windows with energy-saving glass demonstrate better thermal insulation compared to conventional double-glazed windows;
provide a comfortable microclimate, create convenient working conditions (maintain a temperature of +20°C in the room at -20°C outside the window).

Radiators. Setting up heat supply and keeping warm

Heating equipment also contributes to energy saving. The newest in this regard are considered bimetallic radiators, which effectively replace old cast iron batteries, not amenable to cleaning. Such radiators are durable and sealed. The strengths of such heaters are obvious:

they combine the advantages of steel and aluminum radiators;
have high energy efficiency in heat transfer;
thanks to the properties of aluminum, the radiator heats the air in the room 5 times faster than conventional batteries;
Their installation is beneficial at least because the radiators are guaranteed for 15 years.

We saved energy, but how to increase it? When the temperature outside is below -20C, you cannot do without electric radiators. Here are their convincing advantages:

independence from central heating and autonomy;
automatic or manual control of room temperature;
strength, mobility, reliability and safety in operation.

Lamps. We give the room natural light and people health

Changing incandescent lighting to fluorescent and LED lighting saves the average high school about $5,000 a year. In addition to such significant energy saving indicators, another important factor is the latest equipment. Modern lighting devices protect our health.

Engineering solutions for new lighting equipment are simple and do not require large expenses; they quickly pay for themselves due to a reduction in energy consumption by 30-80%.

Let us dwell in more detail on the properties and advantages of energy-saving lighting equipment - in particular, fluorescent lamps:

allow for excellent light output and color rendition, which is important for indoor work;
provide soft light;
consume little energy (85% less than outdated lamps), while having a long service life.

However, after such a lamp burns out, under no circumstances should it be broken or thrown away. A huge disadvantage of fluorescent lamps is their additional disposal after the end of their service life, because... they contain mercury.

LED lighting is the most promising light source at the moment, largely due to its energy efficiency and other strengths:

LEDs are economical - they operate on low voltage and do not require large amounts of energy (up to 75% savings);
have an almost eternal service life - up to 100,000 hours of burning (when operating 8 hours a day, the lamp will last 35 years)!
durable and less susceptible to mechanical stress, because they do not contain spirals or electrodes that can be damaged;
are different in shades of color, shape and power, which certainly expands the possibilities of their use.

Relay. Adjusting the voltage

The use of an entire army of electrical appliances in educational institutions leads to network overloads, which can cause short circuits. Electrical wiring installation standards have long been outdated, and the time has come to install a modern protective equipment. The solution is simple - the electrical distribution networks are being reconstructed and their capacity is being increased.

Modern relays save energy by allowing you to use multiple electrical appliances without creating loads. The operating principle of such a relay is simple. When the total power of electrical appliances in use exceeds the standard, one or more non-priority appliances are turned off. For example, if it is important to use sockets to power computers, then other devices will automatically be disconnected and connected. At the same time, we will not feel any discomfort and will insure the network from loads.

Faucets. Save water

Energy saving includes not only the conservation of heat, but also water, because a lot of electricity is spent on its delivery. A faucet with a photocell is the best thing people have come up with to save water to date. Using touchless faucet Compared to a traditional tap, 6 times less water is used. It does not have a valve, but the mixer works regardless of this when you bring your hands to it. The source is “hidden” in the case infrared radiation and a photocell that receives the beam. We bring our hands to the tap, and they fall into the field of view of the photocell. Therefore, the electronic device instantly “reacts” and turns on the water. Economical, convenient and hygienic.

Issue No. 30

New energy-efficient equipment for various types of elevators

Concern "RUSELPROM" has started industrial production new energy efficient equipment for conventional and high-speed elevators. Expanding its product line, the concern introduced to the market the first Russian gearless drive - an innovation that can reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and help in the modernization of housing and communal services.

Equipment energy efficiency labeling

In addition to traditional directions energy saving, developed after energy crisis of the 1970s, in last years another direction has emerged - labeling energy efficiency equipment and products. The essence of labeling is that based on analysis and testing energy consumption in a group of products, each of them is assigned a specific index energy efficiency, recorded in the technical documentation. In addition, this index is applied to the product in the form of a colorful label.

Energy efficiency is at the forefront of the boiler

In Russia it is very short summer, and the end of the next heating season always acutely raises the problems of repair, modernization and renewal of the boiler plant equipment. Fuel becomes more expensive every year, so when designing and equipping a boiler room energy saving aspects inextricably linked with parameters energy efficiency basicequipment, are becoming increasingly important. Efficiency is nothing, technical specification is everything?

3D model of a biogas plant

Energy efficiency of company equipment

In countries EU energy saving equipment based on analysis and testing, one of the following is assigned 7 indexes energy efficiency with letter designations from A(most energy efficient class) up to G(most high level power consumption).

Energy efficient equipment for heat and water supply

IN Lately not only large enterprises, but also private consumers are more interested than ever in reducing energy consumption, therefore, all technical innovations and rationalization ideas in this area cause big interest. At the specialized exhibition “Stroyexpo-2003” in the section “ Energy- and resource saving” more than 30 participating companies were represented. One of the represented companies, Triatherm LLC, held a seminar on the topic “Modern energy efficient equipment for heat and water supply.”

Energy from Waste (Philippines)

Energy-efficient equipment from Schneider Electric has been installed in the central heating points of Chelyabinsk

Use of modern energy efficient equipment from Schneider Electric in the central heating center is designed to significantly reduce the costs of city residents for thermal energy, increase the reliability of heat supply to the region and extend the life of energy systems. Thanks to the automation of all central heating centers, it is planned to minimize the human factor by ensuring centralized control of the system based on a single control room.

Read Energy efficient equipment in heating points

A chip has been created for portable equipment that saves energy

Thanks to the use of a new chip efficiency energy use can be increased by 10 times compared to solutions used today.

The hard way to save

The Russian climate systems market is replete withenergy efficient equipment , but this does not compensate for the lag in business energy and resource saving. In 70% of cases, the customer, out of a desire to reduce capital costs, underestimates or misses an opportunity to save on energy saving . An integrated approach to building design based on the results energy saving several times higher than projects where one or more energy efficient engineering systems.

A new power plant has been created in the toilet

We have previously heard about the production energy from Wastewater, so to speak, about “toilets-power plants”, only at that time these were projects of bacterial fuel cells that generate current due to the decomposition of organic matter in such a flow.

Solar trees will illuminate European streets

The idea of using stored solar energy to illuminate city streets is becoming increasingly popular. This became possible thanks to technological breakthroughs in several directions at once: effective Solar cells, compact and durable rechargeable batteries, and of course, LED light sources with very low energy consumption. We recently wrote about the American experience in this direction, today we will talk about the European project.

Companies using energy efficient equipment will pay less taxes

Enterprises that will purchase new energy efficient equipment, in the first year of its operation they will not pay property tax. The head of the Ministry of Economic Development, Elvira Nabiullina, announced this today at the innovation forum in Tomsk. She explained that the department will soon complete the development of the relevant bill.

Experience in implementing energy efficiency requirements for electrical equipment

Many years of investment in building organizational and technical capacity in IEA member countries have provided most of them with solid foundation to introduce minimum standards energy efficiency(MSEE) and mandatory energy labels that are the cornerstone of national strategies energy efficiency.

Description:

The energy strategy of modern civilization provides for an increase in the energy supply of the economy while curbing the consumption of fuel and energy resources and associated environmental damage. The basic element of solving this controversial problem is energy saving.

Equipment energy efficiency labeling

A. L. Naumov, Vice President of NP "ABOK", General.

Director of NPO TERMEK LLC

In addition to the traditional areas of energy saving, which developed after the energy crisis of the 1970s, in recent years another area has emerged - energy efficiency labeling of equipment and products. The essence of the labeling is that, based on analysis and testing of energy consumption in a group of products, each of them is assigned a certain energy efficiency index, recorded in the technical documentation. In addition, this index is applied to the product in the form of a colorful label.

For the purpose of unification, the energy efficiency scale for all groups of labeled products is divided into several classes.

In particular, in EU countries there are 7 energy efficiency groups with letter indices from A (the most energy efficient class) to G (the highest level of energy consumption).

The appearance of the energy efficiency label is shown in the figure.

The introduction of energy efficiency labeling is a mandatory requirement in EU countries and is regulated by Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament.

Labeling has already been introduced in many countries: USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, a number of countries in Latin America and Africa.

As experience and information accumulate, energy efficiency labeling involves everyone large quantity equipment, products and materials.

Labeling began in the 1990s with household appliances. The results of improving the energy efficiency of household refrigerators and freezers have exceeded all expectations. In countries that are members of the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 1990 there were 315 million refrigerators and 91 million freezers in operation, which consumed 335.3 billion kWh per year; by 2000, their number had increased by 1. 25 times, and energy consumption decreased to 314.6 billion kWh per year.

For comparison, savings on household refrigerators Energy in the IEA countries exceeds the energy consumption of the entire Moscow region.

Following refrigerators, washing and washing machines began to be labeled. dishwashers, water heaters, household air conditioners, lighting fixtures.

Currently, there is a struggle to increase the share of energy-saving lighting lamps (fluorescent lamps consume 5–6 times less electricity than incandescent lamps).

The energy saving potential in lighting technologies in IEA countries is estimated at 150–200 billion kWh per year. So far, the volume of use of energy-saving lamps is estimated at different countries

from 1 to 5%. After in some countries they are moving towards energy efficiency labeling of industrial equipment (pumps, chillers, heat exchangers, electric motors, generators, etc.) and road transport. There is the first experience of energy efficiency labeling in construction. The cost of a building for sale in Austria depends significantly on its energy efficiency index.

An energy-efficient product often costs significantly more than a conventional one. What forces and stimulates the consumer to shell out additional funds, and the manufacturer to produce new equipment?

Summarizing the experience of different countries that use energy efficiency labeling for products, we can highlight the following areas for promoting energy-saving products:

– mandatory labeling of energy-consuming equipment and products;

– directive restrictions on the production and sale of energy-intensive equipment;

– import restrictions: for example, the import of products of energy efficiency classes F and G into EU countries is prohibited;

– information and propaganda measures explaining the economic benefits of energy-efficient equipment during operation and its environmental efficiency.

However, in a number of countries, directive methods are combined with a system of voluntary certification of equipment for energy efficiency. Leading Western manufacturers have responded with understanding and interest to the requirements for energy efficiency of products, and currently the energy efficiency mark is as significant a characteristic of a product’s competitiveness as quality, reliability, and design. It can be considered that in the EU, the modernization of equipment in terms of energy efficiency is one of the first places. The same trend is observed in changing priorities consumer properties goods and from buyers.

How objective is the information on the energy efficiency label of the product we buy in the store? After all, even in one group of products there is a wide variety of properties that affect energy consumption: dimensions, power, operating modes, etc.

Criteria and regulations for testing the energy consumption of various similar groups of products have been developed. In most cases, test results are processed in relative terms, for example, the ratio of electrical power consumption to the useful cooling capacity of an air conditioner. The entire range of energy consumption characteristics of similar products present on the EU market, from the most advanced to the most energy-wasting, is divided into 7 groups according to energy efficiency classes from A to G with a fixed range of relative indicators in each group.

The procedure for identifying the energy efficiency of a product varies from country to country. Tests can be carried out in state certification centers, in independent accredited laboratories or directly by the manufacturer itself.

The developed methodology for labeling the energy efficiency of products is quite universal and clear. It is enough to see a label with the letter A on a refrigerator, air conditioner or car to be sure that this product belongs to upper class energy efficiency.

What is the situation with energy efficiency in Russia? Do we need an international energy efficiency labeling system for products?

The Law “On Technical Regulation” establishes the obligation to comply with the requirements of “protection environment" and "prevention of actions that mislead acquirers." A number of GOSTs have been developed that define the requirements for the energy efficiency of products, including GOST R 51388–99 “Informing consumers about the energy efficiency of products for household and municipal purposes.”

According to the results of surveys of consumer property priorities (price, brand, design, etc.), our customers rate energy efficiency in one of the last places.

Unfortunately, the current normative base in the field of energy efficiency in our country does not have a significant impact on energy saving. Thus, in Moscow the territorial building codes MGSN 2.010–99 “Energy saving in buildings” are in force. Mosgorekspertiza requires the development of an “Energy Efficiency” section within the framework of construction projects.

But, despite the efforts of the Moscow authorities, mass construction includes energy-wasteful solutions for the direct transformation of electrical energy into thermal energy in thermal air curtains, floor heating systems, ramps, open areas and passages; one often has to deal with the use of electric heaters in air conditioning and ventilation systems, the use of imperfect lamps with incandescent lamps, and inefficient refrigeration machines, fans, pumps.

In our opinion, energy efficiency labeling can become an effective tool for developing an energy saving strategy in construction.

Already at the stage of technical specifications for design, requirements for the energy efficiency of the entire building and its individual engineering systems, equipment, products and materials that provide a given level of energy saving can be laid down.

Russia has joined the Kyoto Protocol, is preparing to join the WTO, the country has enormous energy saving potential, and the economy has set a course for the priority development of high-tech industries. Of course, we need to integrate into international system energy efficiency labeling, and such a project is being prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation with the support of the UN Development Program and the Global Environment Facility.

The implementation of the project in our country is associated with the need to solve quite complex problems. Our country has unique reserves of fuel and energy resources, and domestic energy prices have always been significantly lower than world prices. To a certain extent, this predetermined the energy consumption of our economy. The energy intensity of our GDP is 2.0–3 times higher than the level of EU countries.

In conditions of low energy operating costs, energy efficiency of products and equipment is not a priority for either manufacturers or consumers.

An objectively energy-efficient addition to the price of a refrigerator due to operating costs in EU countries pays for itself in 3–5 years, in our country in 10–15 years.

On the other hand, to date, in most regions of the country there is a growing trend of energy capacity deficit. Thus, the investment component of connecting an additional 1 kW of electricity for a consumer in the Moscow region is estimated at 45,000 rubles.

Freeing up this kilowatt of electricity from the consumer by replacing conventional incandescent lamps with energy-saving lamps will cost only 2,000–3,000 rubles while increasing their service life by 3–5 times.

Or another example: to produce 1,000 kWh of cold in air conditioning systems, traditional machines based on piston compressors with an electricity consumption of 400 kWh can be used, or more expensive machines with a screw compressor and an electricity consumption of 200 kWh can be used. The investment difference in the supply of electricity will be 9 million rubles - which far exceeds the cost of the most expensive refrigeration machines, not to mention the operational savings of at least 0.5 million rubles per year.

Energy efficiency labeling can be a good help in implementing an energy saving program in the areas of construction and operation public buildings(schools, hospitals, clinics, sports complexes, administrative institutions, etc.), government procurement for ministries and departments (Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Culture, etc.). It is in these areas that voluntary and directive directions for the implementation of energy efficient technologies can be rationally combined.

A more complex and lengthy path should be envisaged for involvement in energy saving through energy efficiency labeling for household consumers and commercial structures. The emphasis in this work will be on information and propaganda.

Another difficult problem is the modernization of domestic production technologies. Everyone understands that in the conditions of international integration and the declared course towards the role of a leading energy power, a radical update of production technologies for energy and energy-consuming equipment and products is necessary. The formal one-time introduction of international requirements for energy efficiency of equipment and products will bring most of the domestic industries to the brink of bankruptcy.

We need a fairly long period and effective government support for the modernization of our factories.

The domestic power engineering industry has already lost its position in a number of positions. Many of our developments are inferior to power engineering technologies of European, American, southeastern countries(Siemens, Hitachi, Toshiba, etc.). Markets for energy-consuming household equipment are largely monopolized by imports ( domestic air conditioners, electric radiators, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines and so on.).

Our regulatory and legislative framework in the field of energy saving is largely declarative in nature and is not aimed at supporting increased energy efficiency of the products of our factories.

The tasks facing the energy efficiency labeling project in our country are primarily aimed at promoting the improvement of energy efficiency of our economy, the integration of advanced domestic and foreign energy-saving technologies, their full-scale implementation, improving the regulatory framework in the field of energy efficiency, promoting ecology and thrifty attitude towards energy resources of the broadest segments of the population.

The project is open for participation in it by qualified interested organizations and specialists in the field of energy consumption engineering equipment, which are the majority of members of the NP “ABOK”.