CSA SPE-7003-13 PDF Download

The non-consensus CSA SPE-7003-13 standard intends to evaluate the environmental effects of laundry equipment in a more thorough and all-encompassing way. Historically, just the amount of electricity and water these appliances require when in operation has been used to assess their environmental performance. However, this standard adopts a multi-attribute strategy, utilizing data from life-cycle assessments (LCAs) and other significant variables to ascertain the environmental characteristics of laundry equipment.

The scope of this standard includes top-loading and front-loading machines of various capacities for use in home and commercial settings to wash clothes. The standard complies with Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) minimum energy performance standards. However, because they are not yet available on the market, it does not cover semi-automatic or suds-saving washers.

It is significant to remember that this standard is currently being processed in accordance with ANSI and SCC-accredited procedures with the goal of eventually becoming a consensus document. The standard does not specify how to conduct a conformity evaluation or how to apply a mark or seal of compliance. Future revisions of the standard are expected to broaden its application to encompass combination washer-dryers as well as perhaps add additional product categories and details on their environmental efficiency.