On the Need for Energy Labeling for Villa Air Conditioners in Saudi Arabia and its Economic and Environmental Impact

Abstract

The present article discusses the need for energy labeling for villa air conditioners in Saudi Arabia. The article aims at raising the public awareness about energy savings and its economical and environmental impact in Saudi Arabia as one of the largest producers and exporters of the oil in the world. In light of comprehensive literature, market and consumer's surveys, a plan for implementing and enforcing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) with gradually increasing MEPS over a period of 15 years, in addition to a one transition year, has been proposed. The economical and environmental impact of the proposed plan on the national economy and environment has been analyzed and presented. The analysis revealed that improving the villa AC units' energy efficiency ratio (EER) according to the proposed plan can save up to $ 59.12 billion (based on the average oil prices of 2010) and can reduce the Carbon Dioxide emission by 177.21 million tons over the first 16 years of implementing the plan. The legislative and financial support required to make the implementation and enforcement of the proposed plan possible has been outlined and discussed.