Energy labels give consumers and professional buyers confidence in their choice of product regarding energy efficiency for over 25 years. They have also encouraged manufacturers and retailers to think more innovatively and competitively to improve the energy use of their products. Over time, the reduction in energy use across all products has rendered the old scheme inadequate for consumers to identify the most energy efficient products.
With this in mind, the old energy labelling scheme has recently been recalibrated to improve its effectiveness alongside net zero targets. The newly revised and optimised labels began to emerge both on the high street and in online shops from March 2021.
In 2021 the following products have introduced the new energy labels:
- domestic refrigerators and freezers
- wine storage refrigerators
- washing machines
- washer- dryers
- dishwashers
- televisions and electronic displays
- light sources
What is the difference between the old and new labelling scheme?
The old scheme’s complicated range of labels from A+++ to G rating has been improved in the new system which has a more straightforward range of A to G. The need for change was recognised as the majority of the products on the market were placed in the top 2 – 3 classes (A+++, A++ and A+) furthermore, false sense of security in terms of net zero targets persisted and consumers found it difficult to determine what products are most energy efficient.
In addition, the new energy labels feature QR codes so that buyers can use their smartphones to discover up to date information about the product. The new icons are based on the originals but with enhanced clarity.
Furthermore, the energy consumption is now more distinguishable in the middle of the label; depending on product type this is written as either kWh per year; kWh per 1000 hours or kWh per 100 cycles.
Online shopping has been improved with a simple green diagram that shows the energy efficiency class of the product. The full energy label can be viewed by clicking on this diagram.
What is double labelling?
While the new label is being phased in, products may feature both the old and the new labels. The new label will give you a more accurate and realistic understanding of how your product will perform over its lifetime as the new label has been designed portraying greater knowledge of how a product is used at home.
The new label is designed to take into account how you used your products at home, as well as providing more detailed information on other features of the product. This will give you a more accurate and realistic idea of how your product will perform over its lifetime.
The new energy labelling system features:
- A new simplified label scale from rating A to G. The old A+ to A+++ are no longer being used.
- A QR code which can be scanned with a smartphone and links to further information about the product.
- Clearer icons, more easily recognisable and a few new icons introduced.
- Energy consumption represented as kWh is more prominent on the label.
- Simplified diagram for online shops featuring a clickable green arrow and energy rating where more information is displayed.
For more information, you can visit https://energylabel.org.uk/for-consumers/essential-new-features/