Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS)

Contents

What are Minimum Energy Performance Standards?

Introduced in 2016, this initiative aims to limit the maximum amount of energy a product uses during operation. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (or MEPS) are now part of legislation in many countries around the world.


Since 2021 energy is displayed as a rating from A to G on fridges, freezers, beverage coolers and ice cream freezers with a direct sales function. Previously an A+++ to G was applicable to all types of comercial refrigeration however this scale is now only used for storage cabinets. An energy rating or MEPS label should be positioned next to the price. This rating is combined with a handy Energy Label stipulating relevant information including;

  • Brand
  • Model
  • Energy Rating
  • Net capacity for chilling or freezing
  • Climate Class with maximum ambient temperature and humidity range
  • Energy consumption per year/annum

How are MEPS measured?

All information is collected through standardised testing under regulated conditions. Tests are carried out by the manufacturer in accordance with EN16825 testing standard criteria. Following stringent testing, results are then declared and recorded. Independent checks are performed at random by the National Measurement and Regulation Office or the corresponding authority in each country. Any products found to vary from the declared rating may be removed from the market.


Which types of equipment are MEPS applicable to?

At present, all solid door fan assisted cabinets must display an energy rating and corresponding label. It will become a requirement for all refrigeration in the future and is expected to be rolled out in stages.


How do Minimum Energy Performance Standards help the environment?

All equipment is tested to regulated standards. Any units that don’t meet the mark are prevented from appearing on the market meaning that the worst offending products don’t even make it through production let alone into the public domain. Introduction of energy labelling means that manufacturers must improve efficiency and performance in order to trade, lessening environmental impact for an overall greener refrigeration industry.


What influences do MEPS have on buying choices?

While cost is still a determining factor when purchasing equipment, it doesn’t necessarily hold the authority that it once did. With emphasis placed on environmentally sound practices, it has become more important than ever to minimise our carbon footprint and MEPS makes locating ‘green’ choices easier.

Manufacturers previously weren’t obliged to give access to or make customers privy to exact performance standards or specifications. With the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards customers can now make fully informed decisions based on the results of regulated testing, giving more control to the consumer than ever before.

MEPS not only denote the level of potential environmental impact but can also imply lower running costs over the lifetime of the equipment.


What are the benefits of MEPS?

Customers have more information than ever before on which to base their equipment decisions. Not only do they benefit from the knowledge that they are investing in environmentally friendly equipment offering advanced efficiency but also that potential running costs will be decreased.

It isn’t only customers that can enjoy the benefits of MEPS. Manufacturers are encouraged to develop products with advanced energy efficiency and continuously research potential improvements. This results in manufacturers being more environmentally aware, reducing Global Warming Potential (GWP) and lowering their carbon footprint.


Have MEPS changed the industry?

It’s undeniable that the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards has bolstered the market. Not only lessening impact on the environment and removing the most damaging offenders from the market place, new heights of efficiency have been achieved that wouldn’t necessarily have come into force if it weren’t for the regulated testing. Raising environmental awareness while decreasing GWP, carbon footprints and energy consumption – the results are positive for manufacturers and consumers alike.