Kahramaa sets standards for AC energy efficiency

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA THE Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) through its Conservation & Energy Efficiency Department has set standard specifications for air conditioners energy efficiency. The new standards as approved by World Trade Organisation (WTO) under QS SASO 2663/2013 will be effective soon. The minimum energy efficiency star rating classification for air conditioners in Qatar is three, equal to Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 8.5 The standards were set after detailed study of energy efficiency systems for air conditioners in the country. Energy efficiency labelling for air conditioners will be done to help customers determine the ideal air conditioners in terms of energy efficiency and reduction of carbon emission. Appliances that do not conform to the new standards will be banned to enter the Qatari market. Air conditioners consume about 65 percent of total electricity consumption especially in summer. Non-energy conserving air conditioners waste power and incur high operational cost at homes, offices and factories. The labelling system encourages energy efficiency and saving. The three-star air conditioner (equal to Energy Efficiency Ratio EER: 8.5) is the minimum allowed energy efficiency rating in Qatar. It reduces power consumption by 12 percent compared with unclassified appliances. Power saving in a six-star air conditioner amounts to 32 percent or more. The classification, according to Kahramaa, will be extended to include the central cooling systems used widely in commercial and industrial buildings. This step would strengthen the endeavour to reduce environmentally harmful emissions. In this regard, Kahramaa has set ambitious plans and programmes to define the approved

standards that should be observed to issue a building permit for the thermal insulation of ceilings and walls of buildings under construction. Thermal insulation maintains indoor temperature and reduces demand for cooling by 40 percent. An awareness campaign on the energy efficiency classification will be launched for customers to determine the right appliances in terms of energy efficiency. Beside the regulation of air conditioners and thermal insulation, Kahramaa is also working to set a labelling system for other home appliances. In 2014, Kahramaa will approve energy efficiency regulations for refrigerators and freezers while washing machines will join in 2016.