How to use the Guidelines

IN GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

Government institutions can only purchase energy efficient electrical equipment that conforms to the Trust’s purchasing guidelines. These requirements are laid down in the Danish Energy Authority’s `Circular on improving energy efficiency in Danish government institutions´, which also requires institutions to make their energy consumption visible and invest in financially viable energy savings projects.

Persons responsible for energy and purchasing in government institutions must ensure that they comply with the Trust’s purchasing guidelines whenever they purchase equipment.

Purchasing computers, multifunction devices, printers and office furniture such as electric height adjustable desks is straightforward because all government institutions have to use the Danish Ministry of Finance and SKI’s (National Procurement Ltd – Denmark) special framework contracts that only feature a limited number of products. In terms of computers and monitors, there will be an e-auction approximately every other month, where organisations can register their purchase requirements. Find out more at: www.statensindkoeb.dk and www.ski.dk.

IN LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES AND SEMI PUBLIC SECTOR COMPANIES

The Trust recommends that all purchasers should follow the purchasing guidelines and preferably enter into a partnership on their use. More than 200 organisations have already signed a voluntary agreement with the Trust on the purchasing guidelines.

Purchases made by all public sector organisations can be made using the SKI framework contracts. Suppliers also have the possibility to label products that comply with the purchasing guidelines. This makes it easy for customers to find the energy saving products.

IN PRIVA TE ORGANISATIONS

Many private companies have also discovered the benefits of purchasing energy efficient products. These guidelines are as relevant to private companies as they are to the public sector.

WHAT ABOUT PRODUCTS NOT FEATURED IN THE GUIDELINES

If you need to purchase a product that is not covered by the guidelines, The Trust recommends that you ask about power consumption in the on and Standby modes, and choose one of the products with the lowest Standby consumption, which in any case should not exceed 1 watt. For further information please contact the Trust’s Customer Advice service on: +45 7026 9009 or by e-mail at: sparel@sparel.dk.

CALCULATE THE LIFETIME COSTS

When comparing the purchase prices of different equipment, you should calculate the lifetime costs to arrive at the most cost-effective solution. Remember that when purchasing equipment you are also buying the electricity costs over the equipment’s total lifetime. Lifetime costs are the sum of the purchase price plus the annual electricity costs multiplied by the anticipated lifetime of the equipment.

ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Purchasing energy efficient equipment is also good for the environment. If you want to do even more, you can specify additional environmental requirements by using the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental guidelines at: www.miljoevejledninger.dk.

BACKGROUND TO THE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for energy efficient purchasing described in these purchasing guidelines have been compiled from a number of sources, including:

• European Union Energy Labelling Directives (www.ens.dk/sw13972.asp)
• Energy Star (www.eu-energystar.org and www.energystar.gov)
• GEEA (Group for Energy Efficient Appliances, www.efficient-appliances.org)
• European Union Code of Conduct (energyefficiency.jrc.cec.eu.int)
• CEMEP (European Committee of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics at: www.cemep.org)
• Europump (Association Européenne des Constructeurs de Pompes at: www.europump.org)

For this reason, you can be sure that there are enough electrical appliances to choose from, and that the appliances fulfilling the requirements are the most energy efficient available. The Trust reviews the requirements on an annual basis.