Importers of refrigerators and air conditioners have been urged to prioritise energy-efficient appliances to ease pressure on Zimbabwe’s electricity grid and help protect the ozone layer.
The call was made during a media awareness session hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife on minimum energy performance standards.
Speaking at the event, George Chaumba, Project Manager for the National Ozone Unit under the Climate Change Management Department, said refrigeration and air conditioning systems are among the biggest consumers of electricity.
“When it comes to phasing out ozone-depleting substances, we have already eliminated more than 99% of them. These were mainly used in agriculture, particularly in tobacco seedbed production, where methyl bromide was once widely applied. We have now replaced it with a technology known as floating trays.
“We also phased out fire suppression systems used in thermal power stations, which had a high ozone-depleting potential. The remaining substances still in use are found in refrigeration and air conditioning systems,” Chaumba said.
The Ministry is now focused on educating consumers about the importance of choosing energy-efficient appliances.
“The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol requires that, when phasing out harmful substances, we seek alternatives that are ozone-friendly, climate-friendly, and energy-efficient.
“As part of our energy efficiency programme, we are raising awareness among consumers to prioritise energy-efficient appliances when purchasing refrigerators and air conditioners. This is why we invited the media—to help us disseminate this information and influence consumer behaviour,” he said.
Chaumba added that increased use of energy-efficient appliances would reduce electricity demand.
“If consumers adopt energy-efficient refrigerators and air conditioners, the pressure on our national grid will be significantly reduced. It’s almost like building a virtual power station because the energy saved would be equivalent to generating additional power.”
Chaumba also highlighted the crucial role of the ozone layer in protecting people from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
“The ozone layer shields us from excessive UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and weaken the immune system. Countries that have studied the effects of ozone depletion report over a million cases of skin cancer annually linked to this issue,” he said.
He noted that policies and regulations are in place to enforce energy efficiency standards, including checks on imported appliances.
“Manufacturers are encouraged to produce energy-efficient appliances, while importers are required to adhere to these standards. Customs officers have been trained to identify energy-efficient products at points of entry,” Chaumba said.
Fungai Zinyanduko, Education and Awareness Officer at the Consumer Protection Commission, urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing appliances.
“You have the right to information about the products you buy. Check if your refrigerator has an energy efficiency label and verify other essential details before making a purchase,” she said.
Zinyanduko added that while there is no permanent team stationed at the border, officials conduct nationwide checks to ensure compliance.
“Consumers should also be mindful of where they buy their appliances, as some products pose health and safety risks. Always purchase from recognised retailers,” she said.
