First introduced for a number of household appliances in 1994 and subsequently expanded in 2004 – with a comparative scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) - the EU energy label has been a key driver for helping consumers choose products which are more energy efficient. At the same time, it also encourages manufacturers to drive innovation by using more energy efficient technologies.
In 2019, the energy label was recognised by 93% of consumers and 79% considered it when buying energy efficient products, according to the Special Eurobarometer 492.
Manufacturers are keen to see their energy-labelled products in the highest available category when compared to competitors. Therefore, it is likely that manufacturers who sell appliances in the less efficient classes aim to improve their rating to position their products within the highest category. For example, roughly two-thirds of refrigerators and washing machines sold in 2006 were labelled as class A, whereas over 90% of those sold in 2017 were labelled A+, A++ or A+++.
In addition to information about the product’s energy consumption, the labels can also provide specific data about other relevant features of usage, such as the product’s noise emissions or water consumption.
A New Generation of Labels
As a result of the development of more and more energy efficient products, and because the difference between A++ and A+++ is less obvious to the consumer, the EU energy labels categories will be gradually adjusted to reintroduce the simpler A to G scale. For example, a product showing an A+++ energy efficiency class could become a class B or lower after rescaling without any change in its energy consumption. The class A will initially be empty to leave room for more energy efficient models to be developed.
This will enable consumers to distinguish more clearly between the most energy efficient products. At the same time, it is meant to encourage manufacturers to continue research and innovation into more energy efficient technologies. An article that further explains the new generation of EU energy labels was published on 16 February 2021.
The following 5 product groups were 'rescaled' in 2021. Other product groups carrying EU energy labels will follow in the coming years.
How to recognise a rescaled product?
| Old Energy Label | New Energy Label |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Sample showing the energy label for a fridge
The final format and visual identity of the new labels for the above product groups and for ‘refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function’ were adopted by the Commission on 11 March 2019.
The EU countries, with the support of the European Commission, will inform citizens about the changes the new EU energy labels will bring through dedicated communication campaigns.
The language-neutral logo. A bolt as last letter in the word ENERG is to replace a desinence that varies in different EU languages (e.g. Energy, Energie, Energia, Energía, Énergie, Energija, Enerģija, Energi, etc.)
QR code with link to EPREL
Energy efficiency classes (with a scale from A to G)
Energy efficiency class of this product model.
Energy consumption
Indication of additional non-energy parameters (noise emissions, water consumption, capacity, repairability or reliability class, etc.)
Reference to the regulation
For more information about the different energy labels for each product please consult the Product list page and view each specific product.
Labels worldwide
The energy label is not only popular in the EU, but also in a great number of third countries, in particular most of the non-anglophone ones, such as South America, Russia, Africa and Middle-east/Arabic countries.
If you want to learn more, feel free to consult the Energy Labels & Standards Analysis IEA.
Guidance for manufacturers and dealers
A guidance note on the labels rescaling and transition periods is available since June 2020.
In addition, from 1 January 2019, suppliers (manufacturers, importers or authorised representatives) have to upload information about their products into the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) before placing these products on the European market. Consumers have been able to search the database for energy labels and product information sheets as of March 2021 for the first rescaled product categories.
Useful links
Corresponding article on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling by René Kemna, Co-founder and Director of VHK