In the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens, efficiency and sustainability are at the forefront of innovation and investment. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of environmental responsibility, the Energy Technology List (ETL) emerges as a pivotal guide for organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint whilst enhancing operational efficiency.
In an exciting development, commercial dishwashers are set to make their debut on the ETL, marking a significant stride towards furthering sustainable practices within the catering industry. This addition underscores the importance of integrating energy-efficient appliances into commercial settings, as dishwashers play a critical role in the daily operations of restaurants, cafes, and other catering establishments. In this blog post, we will explore the commercial dishwasher models being lined up to join the list, discuss the criteria and requirements of equipment and some of the brands that might be the first to benefit from a place on the ETL.
What Does the ETL Do?
The Energy Technology List (ETL) serves as a robust tool in the UK’s environmental strategy to guide businesses towards making greener, more energy-efficient choices in their equipment and machinery. By testing and compiling a catalogue of products that meet strict standards, businesses are offered a reliable resource to make informed decisions on energy-conscious investments.
By showcasing a comprehensive range of products that meet stringent energy performance criteria, the ETL actively encourages the purchase of higher efficiency products, thus driving the market towards innovation and sustainable practices. It stands as an invaluable resource for companies committed to reducing their energy consumption and, subsequently, their carbon emissions.
In a tangible financial incentive to bolster this green transition, the government’s Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) Scheme plays a critical role. Businesses that invest in products listed on the ETL can claim 100% tax relief on these purchases within the same tax year, providing a significant financial benefit and further incentivising the move towards energy-efficient technologies.
This synergy between the ETL and the AIA Scheme showcases the government’s commitment to fostering a greener economy, helping businesses to contribute positively to the nation’s environmental targets while also reaping the rewards of reduced energy costs and improved operational efficiency.
Catering Equipment on the ETL
The ETL previously comprised of energy efficient equipment and machinery including commercial refrigeration. Commercial combination ovens then joined the list in 2013, bringing this efficiency guide to the catering equipment sector. Commercial dishwashers are coming soon! Undercounter dishwashers and hood-type dishwashers will be the first to join and here we delve a little deeper.
Undercounter Dishwashers - Definition, Criteria & Requirements
Definition:
Stationary rack machines where the front door is pulled down to open the cleaning compartment.
Criteria:
- Used in lower volume operations
- Installed under counters
- Performs multiple short duration cycles approx. 1.5 - 3 minutes
- Equipment has similar HxWxD dimensions
- Completes a wash and rinse sequence in every cycle
- Single tank machine
- May also feature integrated water treatments to prevent limescale build-up within the machine in hard water areas
- Glass washers are not eligible
Requirements:
Equipment must perform within these thresholds:
- Energy consumption/cycle - 0.4 kWh
- Water consumption/cycle - 3.4 L
- Power ready to use mode - 0.4 kW
- Cleaning performance - 90%
- Must pass hygiene and sanitation standards
Hood Type Dishwashers - Definition, Criteria & Requirements
Definition:
Stationary rack machines designed to hold standard professional dish racks. As the name 'hood-type' suggests, the compartment has a hood which is raised in a vertical motion to access and insert racks into the cleaning compartment. The hood is then pulled down to close the wash and rinse chamber.
Criteria:
- Used in small, medium and high volume operations
- Performs multiple short duration cycles approx. 1 - 2 minutes
- Tabling is placed at entry and exit of the machine so that racks can be passed through the wash chamber - hence also being known as pass through dishwashers
- May have internal or external booster heaters to raise incoming water temperature to the required temperature for the final rinse
- Single tank machine
- May also feature integrated water treatments to prevent limescale build-up within the machine in hard water areas
- May have heat recovery system which recovers heat from the previous cycle to preheat incoming water for the next cleaning cycle.
Requirements:
Equipment must perform within these thresholds:
- Energy consumption/cycle - 0.6 kWh
- Water consumption/cycle - 3 L
- Power ready to use mode - 0.5 kW
- Cleaning performance - 90%
- Must pass hygiene and sanitation standards
ETL reviews testing and accepted standards periodically to make sure only the most efficient equipment appears on the list.
What Brands Might We See On The ETL?
There are a number of commercial dishwasher brands offering energy efficient features. Here we highlight just a few but could any of these be soon to appear on the ETL subject to strict testing?
Fagor
Fagor undercounter models such as the COP-504 B DD CI Concept+ boast reduced tank capacity for low water usage, and with an Effi-Rinse feature in the Advance and Concept+ ranges, optimal rinsing and disinfecting temperatures are guaranteed. Advance range models have an energy saving mode for added efficiency. The double skinned construction helps to maximise heat retention and promotes quieter operation. All undercounter and hood type dishwashers operate with low water and energy consumption and include a thermostop feature that ensures the recommended water rinse temperature is achieved.
Winterhalter
Winterhalter undercounter dishwashers offer water and energy savings. Water usage is up to 25% less and, an optional integrated energy function reduces energy consumption and lowers carbon footprint. 'Energy' exhaust air heat recovery, double skinned construction and standby function, all further enhance efficiency. Operating with an eco programme which extends wash time by 50% and reduces rinse water and detergent dosing is claimed to save up to 15% on operating costs.
The Winterhalter passthrough dishwasher series delivers waste water heat recovery, an 'EnergyLight' heat exchanger that reduces electricity costs up to 10% and an 'EnergyPlus' exhaust air heat recovery. Also featuring a 'ClimatePlus' heat pump, thermal energy from machine waste steam and room air is used to heat rinse and tank water reducing electric consumption up to 35%. Specially moulded nozzle configurations offer water savings up to 25% and with a standby function, eco programme and standby function, efficiency has never looked so good.
Classeq
The Classeq D400 and D500 undercounter dishwashers, including those with drain pump, are constructed with a double skinned door for added insulation. The Classeq D400DUO and D500DUO undercounter dishwasher models have double skinned sides and door for quieter operation & reduced heat loss. Models have a temperature interlock which guarantees the correct rinse temperature is always achieved.
The Classeq P500 pass through dishwasher range offers reduced water consumption via a 28 litre wash tank and includes a WRAS compliant type AB air gap.
A new under counter dishwasher range from Classeq will be coming soon!
DC
All DC undercounter dishwashers operate with a low volume wash tank and have a double skinned cabinet and door for enhanced heat retention. The Premium range however additionally includes an insulated boiler and optional thermostop feature for guaranteed rinse temperatures.
DC passthrough dishwashers offer the optional thermostop feature, as with the undercounter models, insulated boiler and a low volume wash tank. The Premium range also features a double skinned hood as standard for improved heat retention.
Sammic
Sammic Active and Ultra ranges offer improvements on previous models with compact tanks for reduced water usage (50% less than previous Sammic ranges) and 30% savings in water consumption during rinsing compared to previous Sammic ranges. Sammic dishwashers also benefit from double walled doors and a thermal lock which guarantees rinsing is carried out at the ideal temperatures to disinfect. The Ultra range also offers an additional energy saving function for greater efficiency.
No-one yet knows which commercial undercounter and hood type dishwashers will appear on the Energy Technology List. The above list includes warewashing equipment to meet every budget, so even if it isn't destined for the ETL you can still be sure that you're investing in an energy efficient piece of equipment that is more than capable of meeting and exceeding strict safety and hygiene standards.
*source: https://etl.beis.gov.uk and respective manufacturers websites.