Energy Technology Criteria List
The Energy Technology List (ETL) was a UK Government backed energy-efficiency scheme that encouraged private and public sector organisations to procure market leading energy- efficient plant and machinery.
The ETL was in two-parts; the Energy Technology Criteria List (ETCL) and the Energy Technology Product List (ETPL). The ETCL defined the specific high-performance criteria that a product must meet in order to be listed on the ETPL. Those criteria included functional specification, energy-efficiency and other performance measures. It aimed to identify and promote the top 10-25% performing products in each of its product types. The ETPL was the list of products that have been assessed as being compliant with the ETCL criteria.
The ETL informed the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme which was introduced by the Government in 2001, creating a scheme that allows businesses to write off the entire cost of any product included on the Energy Technology List (ETL) against taxable profits.
Both lists at the time reviewed by BEIS to ensure that the criteria and listed products fully reflected technological advancements in the marketplace, changing market trends/dynamics, and the development of products legislation and other regulations.
The Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme for energy and water efficient plant and machinery ended in April 2020, it was replaced by the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) scheme, which was another form of accelerated tax relief which businesses could consider when buying new equipment.
The Energy Technology List (ETL) continues to be available with some 8,000 products listed. The ETL states its benefits to purchasers as being:
- The ETL features 62 technology categories and has over 8,000 energy efficient products that purchasers can quickly search and compare
- The scheme is Government-backed and impartial. It independently verifies products featured and is open and transparent about how it researches and creates its criteria
- Listed products align to the latest Government policies and are associated with industry best practice
- The ETL provides detailed product information and contact information for suppliers, including website links
- Energy efficient products are becoming more attractive to purchasers as they can help save on running costs (OPEX) and likely have shorter pay-back periods than non-ETL compliant products
- Products across multiple categories can be easily evaluated to help purchasers understand how, when combined, they can increase energy savings
The ETL states its benefits to manufacturers as being:
- The application process is simple and getting your product listed is free
- Listing your product on the ETL ensures it’s aligned to the latest Government policies and associated with industry best practice
- Independent verification of a product’s energy efficiency performance from a trusted source, such as the Government, goes a long way in providing assurance for potential purchasers
- The ETL is an additional sales channel for your products that benefits from its own marketing and advertising activity
- Listing your products on the ETL gives them wider visibility and increased market exposure which can help reduce your transaction costs. Also, manufacturers will gain access to markets where Government Buying Standards (GBS) specify the ETL
- You can benchmark products against competitors’ using the ET. comparison tables to keep up to date with latest innovations
For further information about the Energy Technology List (ETL) visit https://etl.beis.gov.uk
See also articles on Microgeneration Certification Scheme and Product Eligibility List.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: changes to grant levels.
- Capital.
- Capital allowances for construction.
- Construction plant.
- Depreciation.
- ECA Water Scheme.
- Equipment.
- Microgeneration certification scheme.
- The Microgeneration Certification Scheme and Product Eligibility List explained.
- Net Present Value.
- Product Eligibility List PEL.
- Water technology list.
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Grenfell Tower fire – eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.