The European Commission has adopted new energy labels that should help people more easily determine which TVs, fridges, dishwashers and washing machines are more energy efficient than others.
Across the bloc, improving energy efficiency has reduced demand around 20 per cent since 2000. The Commission has set a target of 30 per cent by 2030.
While energy labelling, introduced 20 years ago, has been effective, it has also become complex. A ratings have become A+++ leaving limited options, other than more plus signs, for more efficient equipment.
The EU agreed to simplify and rescale the system in 2017, moving back to A-G ratings, with A+++ products becoming B rated, leaving room for more efficient kit to come in at the top end.
The Commission has now adopted the final format of new labels for the six product groups, which will be in stores and online by March 2021.
Monique Goyens, director general of European consumer association BEUC, said it was about time.
“We are pleased that the EU is finally fixing the flaws of the current energy label, starting with five products that most consumers own at home. It was high time we went back to the unambiguous A-G label to drive consumers to buy less energy-guzzling washing machines or fridges and save money.”
The Commission reckons the new labels will help drive energy savings of 38.1TWh/year by 2030, equivalent to Hungary’s annual electricity consumption.
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