IEA/4E/SEAD/DECC Workshop on the G20 Energy Efficiency Action Plan: Networked Devices

Background

‌The objective of the workshop was to establish an international co-operation platform to respond to the G20 2014 call for action to work towards reducing the energy demand of networked devices. It was an opportunity for policy makers, industry, service providers and other key stakeholders to meet and discuss key issues that need to be addressed and how progress towards smart and energy efficient products and systems can be accelerated.

Agenda and Discussion Paper

In November 2014, G20 leaders endorsed a United Kingdom led initiative on networked products as one of the six work streams of the G20 Energy Efficiency Action Plan: Voluntary Collaboration on Energy Efficiency. The initiative will co-ordinate governments, experts and industry to encourage innovative responses to the challenge of energy consumed by networked devices. The initiative aims to:

The initiative will develop a platform for international co-operation through the IEA’s Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (IEA-4E) Implementing Agreement and the Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative. This is the first workshop of the initiative. Further workshops are planned on 21 May 2015 (Copenhagen) and 17–18 June 2015 (Paris).

19 January Workshop
The workshop on January 19 brought together policy experts from G20 countries and beyond to discuss what steps can be taken to realize the energy saving benefits of networked products and stem the rapidly increasing electricity demand of networked devices as part of the G20 initiative. The workshop started off with an introduction of the topic area, challenges and solutions, as well as international activities and types of policy options. The focus of the day was discussion around what are key steps and activities, how to maintain on-going cooperation with industry and how to ensure a well-functioning and sustainable platform for cooperation. The introductory part of the workshop provided sufficient context and background for participants new to the area to actively participate in discussions.

20 January Workshop
The workshop on January 20 brought together policy experts from G20 countries and beyond and experts from industry including device manufacturers, software and hardware developers, service providers and representatives from standardisation bodies to jointly discuss how to promote energy efficiency. The workshop will start with an overview of developments and trends in the area of information communication technology and networked devices. This will be followed by a discussion about how industry can support the G20 initiative and opportunities for cooperation between industry and policy makers to stimulate the development and uptake of energy efficient solutions. The workshop will conclude with a set of agreed-upon next steps and actions.

Background to the issues

Key findings of More Data Less Energy & recommendations: Sam Thomas, (IEA)

Overview of the G20 project & objectives of the workshop‌: Mike Walker, UK DECC & IEA 4E

Addressing energy wastage in networked devices

Information Technology/Consumer Electronics: Nathan Moin, Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC)

Device control/communication interface: Peter Gibson, Intel

Product standards/protocols: Flavio Cucchietti, Telecom Italia and Klaus Verschuere, CISCO

Components used in network connected devices: Stephen Pattison, ARM

Smart Appliances: Christophe Arnaud, CECED, member of the International Roundtable of Household Appliance Manufacturer Associations (IRHMA)

Summary of conclusions from pre-lunch session: Steven Beletich, IEA-4E

Potential areas for government/industry collaboration: Mark Ellis, IEA-4E

Potential areas for government/industry collaboration: Doug Johnson, Consumer Electronics Association