The project analysed different approaches to support manufacturers of particularly energy-efficient technology (e. g., bonus schemes, competitions). The project thereby focused on the example of household refrigerators and freezers. Policy recommendations developed were part of a larger project on product-related climate protection within the framework of the national climate protection initiative of the German Federal Government, co-ordinated by Öko-Institut and carried out in co-operation with Büro Ö-quadrat, to which Wuppertal Institute delivered as subcontractor. One basis hypothesis of this project was that product-related climate protection faces new challenges. "Classical" tendencies and data cannot be extrapolated, experiences with past policies and measures not easily transferred to products and market situations of the future. By learning from the so-called "Golden Carrot" programmes in the US and partly already implemented in Europe, new and more efficient and effective ways of market introduction and market transformation of energy-efficient technology can be expected. However, the possibilities to support manufacturers are limited by European state aid law. Therefore, innovative ways were identified to give incentives to manufacturers for special energy efficiency improvements of the energy-relevant products they produce.