Phase 2 Exploring the relationship between environmental regulation and competitiveness: A case study on the Energy Labelling Directive. A report to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs. SQW Consulting.

Abstract:

SQW was commissioned by DEFRA in 2006 to conduct a literature review of the available evidence on the relationship between environmental regulation and competitiveness to establish the robustness of the conclusions from the available evidence and their relevance to the UK. This study highlighted the need to conduct further research on the impact of regulatory design & implementation and regulatory form on competitiveness

As a result, SQW were commissioned to conduct Phase Two of the research, which sought to 'gather and analyse evidence on the impact of the design of environmental regulation on competitiveness' through the undertaking of a set of case studies. The research examined the following policy issues:

This case study discusses 'Energy Labelling on particular household appliances; with a particular focus on the impact of the EU Energy Labelling Directive and the associated Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards on specific household appliances in the UK. Comparator evidence is also drawn from Labelling and MEPS schemes used in different countries, with a focus on the US experience'. This case study was selected, as it provides a cross-board comparison of the design and implementation of energy labels and also attempts to assess the competitiveness (and trade) impacts of the labels.

1. Introduction
2. The Energy Labelling Directive
3. Effectiveness of policy
4. Evidence on the influence of regulatory form on innovation, productivity and competitiveness
5. Concluding statements

• Annex A: List of Consultees

Publication Year:

2007

Publisher:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

Prabhakar, M.