Quality data regarding equipment ownership and use patterns are the technical foundation of the assessment and development of any energy efficiency policy. In particular, Standards and Labeling programs for residential and commercial products depend on accurate and locally-relevant information at the level of an individual household or commercial enterprise. Residential and commercial survey datasets provide give an indication of ownership rates, common product classes, and use patterns for a variety of products. In addition, they yield market information such as brand, model type and price paid of common equipment. The United Nations Foundation recognizes the value of facilitating collection of quality survey data for use in developing Standards and Labeling programs. It has therefore developed, in collaboration with CLASP, a publicly available set of tools as a resource to program managers and analysts.

There are two survey types provided - residential (RECS) and small business (SBECS). In many countries around the world, small shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses use equipment that is similar to that used in residences for lighting, refrigeration, heating and cooling, and heating water. Therefore, the two surveys have many common elements. Large and specialized commercial equipment are not covered.

The tools provided are (1) a standard printable survey form (2) data entry and collection software and (3) an instruction guide for survey management and implementation. Elements (1) and (2) are combined into a single Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for each survey type. The files are designed such that a printout can be made, constituting an exact hardcopy survey form for use in the field by interviewers. Once data is collected, the same files are used to transfer the collected data efficiently and accurately into a datasheet, which can then be used for analysis. User Instructions are given in Microsoft Word files and provide details of how to use the spreadsheet tools and describe each type of information to be collected. In addition, the User Instructions provide guidance towards the effective implementation of a survey program, including training requirements.

Click on the links below to access survey tools documents

Survey Spreadsheet - Residential
Survey Spreadsheet - Small Business
User Instructions - Residential
User Instructions - Small Business