EcoTopTen Initiative

Nation-wide information and rating service for energy efficient products

EcoTopTen Initiative: Promoting Sustainable Consumption in Germany

The EcoTopTen (ETT) initiative is a nation-wide information and rating service for energy efficient and sustainable products in Germany. The initiative was started by the Oeko-Institut in 2005 and has since then continued to promote sustainable consumption through research, communication, and innovation. The ETT initiative is based on a two-fold approach: a research and development project on sustainable products and a consumer information campaign. The project has now entered its second phase, in which market surveys and recommended product lists are updated regularly. In this article, we will explore the criteria, target groups, and impact of the ETT initiative on sustainable consumption in Germany.

The ETT Initiative: Research and Development Project

The ETT research and development project aims to identify sustainable products in different categories, such as household appliances, lighting, and cars. The criteria for each product group are related to environment, quality, and costs. These criteria are based on existing labels and product tests, such as the European energy label, the German eco-label, and labels for green electricity. The ETT initiative goes beyond existing labels and consumer information schemes by integrating environmental and quality aspects as well as annual life cycle costs. This approach promotes the further development from environment labels towards sustainability labels.

The Oeko-Institut, the organization behind the ETT initiative, also promotes sustainable product development by communicating sustainable innovation goals to manufacturers. These goals show which advanced criteria relating to environment, quality, and costs should be met by products in a few years. The ETT initiative, therefore, not only identifies sustainable products but also encourages manufacturers to innovate and produce more sustainable products in the future.

The ETT Initiative: Consumer Information Campaign

The ETT consumer information campaign aims to inform households and consumers about the benefits of using sustainable products. The campaign provides information on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of using sustainable products. The ETT recommended product lists are published on the initiative’s website and provide consumers with a comprehensive guide to buying sustainable products.

The ETT initiative also runs an educational program for schools, universities, and other institutions. The program provides information on sustainable consumption and its benefits. The program also promotes sustainable product development and encourages students to think critically about their consumption habits.

The ETT Initiative: Impact on Sustainable Consumption

The ETT initiative has had a significant impact on sustainable consumption in Germany. The initiative has helped to raise awareness about the benefits of using sustainable products and has encouraged consumers to make more sustainable choices. The initiative has also encouraged manufacturers to produce more sustainable products and has helped to promote sustainable product development.

According to a survey conducted by the Oeko-Institut, 63% of consumers who used the ETT recommended product lists said that they would buy more sustainable products in the future. The survey also found that the ETT initiative has encouraged consumers to think more critically about their consumption habits and has helped to promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Conclusion

The EcoTopTen (ETT) initiative is an innovative and effective approach to promoting sustainable consumption in Germany. The initiative’s two-fold approach of research and development and consumer information has helped to identify sustainable products and encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices. The initiative’s impact on sustainable consumption has been significant, and it has helped to raise awareness about the benefits of using sustainable products. The ETT initiative is a model for promoting sustainable consumption in other countries and should be emulated by other organizations and governments around the world.