Details of New EU Energy Labeling for TVs, Dishwashers, Washers, Fridges
The European Commission has posted a Questions & Answers document regarding new,mandatory energy labeling requirements and new efficiency classes for televisions, household dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerating appliances, as part of a directive adopted by the European Parliament in May 2010 and published in the Official Journal on September 28, 2010.
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The new energy labeling requirements will apply after November 30, 2011.
New Label is Language Free, Will Be Attached at Point of Sale
The new energy labeling system will be language free. The labels display ranking of products according to their energy efficiency consumption on an A to G scale, the A class (green) being the most energy efficient appliances and the G class (red) the least. The labels are to provide information to assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions by ensuring that all products are comparable using the same test methods and classification.
Energy labels are mandatory for all appliances placed on the EU market and have to be clearly displayed on each appliance shown at the point of sale. The new labels will be gradually be introduced the packaging of each appliance at the point of sale to allow retailers to easily attach the label and to avoid mislabeling. Consumers are likely to see the old and the new label close to each other for several months; however since an old class A or B appliance is equivalent to a new class A or B, consumers will still be able to compare products at the point of sale on the basis of both energy labels.
Three New Classes Available for “Better Than A” Products
The new labeling system allows up to three classes (A+ to A+++) to be added on top of class A once the majority of products reach class A, so as to allow consumers to differentiate “better than A” products. The EC states that class A+++ is close to the technological limit of possible efficiency improvements; however, if the majority of the market reaches the upper two classes, A++ and A+++, the classification will be reviewed.
TV Energy Labels Being Introduced for the First Time
While energy labels on refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines can go up to class A+++, the energy label for TVs initially has seven classes, from A to G, because the TV energy label is being introduced on the market for the first time. Label formats A+ to F, A++ to E and A+++ to D become mandatory for TVs in 2014, 2017 and 2020, respectively. However, a TV achieving a class "better than A" can be labeled ahead of these dates.
Other Mandatory Energy Requirements & Optional Label for Products
In addition to energy labels, the EC explains there are certain energy requirements and another energy-related label for products on the EU market:
- Ecolabels. Ecolabels are voluntary labels displayed on products and promotional material voluntarily if they respond to a list of criteria pre-defined in implementing measures and guarantee that the product is among the most environmentally friendly in its sector.
- Ecodesign requirements. Ecodesign requirements are mandatory and set requirements on products’ designs to improve their environmental impact. Products are assessed on their impact on the environment throughout its life-cycle, starting from the production stage, through usage, distribution and disposal.
EC Working on Adoption of New/Updated Labels for More Products
Energy labels are adopted by the EC on a product by product basis. The EC is working on the adoption of new or updated energy labels for the following products: lighting, air conditioning, laundry driers, water heaters, boilers and vacuum cleaners.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 05/20/10 news, 10052053, for BP summary on the EU adopting the directive on energy efficiency labeling.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 01/22/08 news, 08012205, for BP summary on U.S. energy laws requiring energy efficiency labeling for consumer electronics.)
More information on and examples of the new EU energy labels available here.
Frequently Asked Questions on the EU energy labeling directive available here.