What did the EVA Energy Measurement Protocol for refrigerated vending machines do?
The Energy Measurement Protocol, developed by EVA technical experts, has provided a reliable method for over 10 years for vending manufacturers to test the energy consumption of their machines, and to present their results to both customers as well as procurement tenders. Due to its replacement by official European standard EN 50597, the EVA decided to withdraw the Energy Measurement Protocol 3.1a for refrigerated vending machines as an industry protocol on 1st July 2019. 
Although a voluntary standard, the EMP 3.1a was widely used in the vending industry, and has undoubtedly aided manufacturers to develop more efficient machines up to now. With the approval of EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for refrigerated vending machines introducing a legal requirement to test and display the energy consumption according to the EN 50597:2018 protocol, the EMP 3.1 has effectively become obsolete.
What action do I need to take?
Until the EU Energy Labelling Regulation comes into force in March 2021, it is no longer possible for manufacturers or operators to provide an energy rating to customers or clients, only the test result of EN 50597.
The decision to withdraw the EMP means specifically that since 1 July:
• EMP energy consumption declarations should be removed from websites, online brochures and all other marketing materials. Websites and machine brochures are not able to mention things like ‘rated A,’ ‘this machine has a high energy efficiency rating’ as this can no longer be substantiated.
• All machine model brochures/PDFs containing EMP references and result declarations should be replaced with EN 50597 testing results where applicable.
• While the EMP already made clear that it was not permitted, the EMP energy scale – or partial versions of the scale – can never appear as a label directly on a machine.
It is critical that all players in the vending industry follow the specific rules set out above and take the required action to ensure all EMP 3.1a references are removed from their publications and websites and in tender responses.
This change is relevant for manufacturers, vending operators and to any public administrations publishing calls for tender. If an EMP result is requested, the customer should be informed that the EMP 3.1a has been replaced and therefore it is not possible to request machines with old EMP ratings.
If the above compliance is not adhered to, this will only create confusion for operators, public administrations, and disingenuous messages in the industry. As an example, if an operator or tender requests an A+ refrigerated machine, they should be informed that it does not exist and refer to this official note from the EVA.
What information do I provide?
From 1 July 2019 to 1 March 2021, only the EN 50597 energy consumption test result can be provided, following the three criteria below:
• Calculated Annual Energy Consumption (kWh)
• Net volume of Cabinet (Litres)
• Declared vending machine category
The manufacturer of the machine will provide the information as above.
What does not change?
The Energy Measurement Protocol version 3.1b (for hot drinks machines) still remains valid and will continue to do so. The information provided in this notice does not apply to the EMP 3.1b.
