Extension and strengthening of the European Topten Initiatives and of the market for innovative and efficient products

Topten has as main objective to promote the most energy efficient appliances thanks to: (1) websites in several countries presenting in a user-friendly way selections of best products available in shops, (2) cooperation with large public and private buyers, the media and other multipliers (such as environmental and consumer NGOs relaying the Topten message in their daily activities), (3) a fruitful dialogue with the industry, reassured by the identified demand and interest for energy saving products. The EURO-TOPTEN PLUS project will allow the collaboration of 16 national Topten websites (managed by 20 partners) and have them display a significant number of product categories (household appliances, lighting, cars, office equipment, etc.). Providing and publicising good quality data at national level permits to analyse the situation at European level and make policy recommendations which are shown on www.topten.info. It also permits to survey life cycle costs in Europe and define innovation goals which shall stimulate manufacturers to develop energy saving products.