EU Directive
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been ...
92/75/EC established an
energy consumption
Energy consumption is the amount of energy used.
Biology
In the body, energy consumption is part of energy homeostasis. It derived from food energy. Energy consumption in the body is a product of the basal metabolic rate and the physical activit ...
label
A label (as distinct from signage) is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed ...
ling scheme. The directive was implemented by several other directives thus most
white goods
A major appliance, also known as a large domestic appliance or large electric appliance or simply a large appliance, large domestic, or large electric, is a non-portable or semi-portable machine used for routine housekeeping tasks such as cookin ...
,
light bulb
An electric light, lamp, or light bulb is an electrical component that produces light. It is the most common form of artificial lighting. Lamps usually have a base made of ceramic, metal, glass, or plastic, which secures the lamp in the soc ...
packaging
Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Packaging can be described as a c ...
and
cars must have an EU Energy Label clearly displayed when offered for sale or rent. The
energy efficiency of the appliance is rated in terms of a set of energy efficiency classes from A to G on the label, A being the most energy efficient, G the least efficient. The labels also give other useful information to the customer as they choose between various models. The information should also be given in catalogues and included by
internet retailers on their
website
A website (also written as a web site) is a collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Examples of notable websites are Google, Facebook, Amazon, and W ...
s.
In an attempt to keep up with advances in energy efficiency, A+, A++ and A+++ grades were later introduced for various products; since 2010, a new type of label exists that makes use of
pictogram
A pictogram, also called a pictogramme, pictograph, or simply picto, and in computer usage an icon, is a graphic symbol that conveys its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object. Pictographs are often used in writing and ...
s rather than words, to allow manufacturers to use a single label for products sold in different countries.
Directive 92/75/EC was replaced by Directive 2010/30/EU, and was again replaced by Regulation 2017/1369/EU from 1 August 2017. Updated labelling requirements entered into force in 2021, the exact date depends on the relevant delegated regulation (e.g. dishwasher's labels change 1 March 2021).
It reintroduced a simpler classification, using only the letters from A to G. The rescaling will also lead to better differentiation among products that, under the current label classification, all appear in the same top categories. It means, for example, that a fridge that currently has the A+++ label could become a C category, even though the fridge is just as energy efficient as before. The main principle is that the A category will be empty at first, and B and C categories scarcely populated, to pave way for new, more energy efficient products to be invented and developed.
Major appliances
Labelling
The energy labels are separated into at least four categories:
*The appliance's details: according to each appliance, specific details, of the model and its materials.
*Energy class: a colour code associated to a letter (from A to G) that gives an idea of the appliance's electrical consumption.
*Consumption, efficiency, capacity, etc.: this section gives information according to appliance type.
*Noise: the noise emitted by the appliance is described in
decibel
The decibel (symbol: dB) is a relative unit of measurement equal to one tenth of a bel (B). It expresses the ratio of two values of a power or root-power quantity on a logarithmic scale. Two signals whose levels differ by one decibel have a ...
s.
Refrigerating appliances
For refrigerating appliances, such as
refrigerator
A refrigerator, colloquially fridge, is a commercial and home appliance consisting of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump (mechanical, electronic or chemical) that transfers heat from its inside to its external environment so th ...
s,
freezer
A refrigerator, colloquially fridge, is a commercial and home appliance consisting of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump (mechanical, electronic or chemical) that transfers heat from its inside to its external environment so th ...
s, wine-storage appliances, and combined appliances, the labelling is specified in terms of an
energy efficiency index EEI, which is an indication of the annual power consumption relative to a reference consumption that is based on the storage volume and the type of appliance (refrigerator or freezer). The boundary between the A
+ and A classes is 44 up to 1 July 2014, and 42 after that date.
The label also contains:
*the annual energy consumption in kW·h
*the capacity of fresh foods in litres for refrigerators and combined appliances
*the capacity of frozen foods in litres for freezers and combined appliances
*the noise in
dB(A)
For cold appliances (and this product alone), for models that are more economical than those of category A, categories A+, A++ and A+++ have been assigned.
Washing machines and tumble dryers
Up to 2010, the
energy efficiency scale for
washing machines is calculated based on a cotton cycle at 60 °C (140 °F) with a maximum declared load. This load is typically 6 kg. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogram of washing, assuming a cold-water supply at 15 °C.
The energy label also contains information on:
*total consumption per cycle
*washing performance – with a class from A to G
*spin drying performance – with a class from A to G
*maximum spin speed
*the total cotton capacity in kg
*water consumption per cycle in litres
*noise in the washing and spinning cycles dB(A)
The washing performance is measured according to European harmonised standard EN 60456 and is based on a 60 °C cycle on fabric samples with stains of oil, blood, chocolate, sebum, and red wine, using a standardised detergent and compared against a reference washing machine. The amount of stain removal is then translated into a washing performance index.
The spin-drying efficiency class is based on the remaining moisture content (RMC), which is the mass of water divided by the dry mass of cotton fabrics. It is based on a weighted average of full-load and partial-load cycles.
A new energy label, introduced in 2010, is based on the energy efficiency index (EEI), and has energy classes in the range A+++ to D. The EEI is a measure of the annual electricity consumption, and includes energy consumed during power-off and standby modes, and the energy consumed in 220 washing cycles. For the washing cycles, a weighted mix consisting of 42% full-load cycles at 60 °C, 29% partial-load cycles at 60 °C, and 29% partial-load cycles at 40 °C. The washing performance is not mentioned any more, since all washing machines must reach class A anyway. For a 6-kg machine, an EEI of 100 is equivalent to 334 kWh per year, or 1.52 kWh per cycle.
For tumble dryers the energy efficiency scale is calculated using the cotton drying cycle with a maximum declared load. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogram of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.
For condenser dryers, a weighted condensation efficiency class is calculated using the average condensation efficiency for standard cotton cycle at both full and partial load.
The label also contains:
*the energy consumption per cycle
*the total cotton capacity
*whether the unit is vented or condensing
*cycle time corresponding to the standard cotton programme at full load in minutes
*noise in dB(A)
For combined washer dryers the energy efficiency scale is calculated using the cotton drying cycle with a maximum declared load. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogram of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.
The label also contains:
*the energy consumption per cycle (washing and drying)
*the energy consumption per cycle – washing only
*washing performance – with a class from A to G
*the maximum spin speed
*the total cotton capacity (washing and drying separately)
*water consumption for a full load washed and dried – note that condenser dryers may use significant amounts of water on the drying cycle
*noise in dB (A) (separately for washing, spinning and drying)
Dishwashers
The energy efficiency of a dishwasher is calculated according to the number of place settings. For the most common size of appliance, the 12 place setting machine the following classes apply up to 2010.
After 2010, a new system is used, based on an energy efficiency index (EEI), which is based on the annual power usage, based on stand-by power consumption and 280 cleaning cycles, relative to the standard power usage for that type of dishwasher. For a 12-place-setting dishwasher, an EEI of 100 corresponds to 462 kWh per year.
The label also contains:
*the energy consumption in kW·h /cycle
*the efficiency of the washing cycle with a class from A to G
*the efficiency of the drying cycle with a class from A to G
*the capacity as a number of place settings
*the water consumption in litres per cycle
*noise in dB(A)
Ovens
For ovens, the label also contains:
*the efficiency with a class from A to G
*the energy consumption in kW·h
*the volume in litres
*the type (small/medium/large)
Air conditioners
For
air conditioner
Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...
s, the directive applies only to units under 12 kW. Every label contains the following information:
*the model,
*the energy efficiency category from A+++ to G,
*the annual energy consumption (full load at 500 hours per year)
*the cooling output at full load in kW
*the energy efficiency ratio in cooling mode at full load
*the appliance type (cooling only, cooling/heating)
*the cooling mode (air- or water-cooled)
*the noise rating in dB (where applicable)
Labels for air conditioners with heating capability also contain:
*the heat output at full load in kW
*the heating mode energy efficiency category
Light bulbs
From 1 September 2021
Every label of light sources, including light bulbs (halogen, compact fluorescent, etc.) or LED modules/lamps, contains the following information:
*the energy efficiency category from A to G
*the electricity consumption of the lamp in
kWh
A kilowatt-hour (unit symbol: kW⋅h or kW h; commonly written as kWh) is a unit of energy: one kilowatt of power for one hour. In terms of SI derived units with special names, it equals 3.6 megajoules (MJ). Kilowatt-hours are a common bill ...
per 1000 hours
Where the energy efficiency category is given by this table:
Where,
, is defined as the total mains efficacy, calculated as:
Where
is the declared useful
luminous flux
In photometry, luminous flux or luminous power is the measure of the perceived power of light. It differs from radiant flux, the measure of the total power of electromagnetic radiation (including infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light), in tha ...
(in
lm),
is the declared on-mode power consumption (in
watt
The watt (symbol: W) is the unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 1 joule per second or 1 kg⋅m2⋅s−3. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. The watt is named after James ...
s), and
is a factor between 0.926 and 1.176 depending on the light source being or not directional and being or not powered from mains.
Until 31 August 2021
Every label of light bulbs and tubes (including
incandescent light bulb
An incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe is an electric light with a wire filament heated until it glows. The filament is enclosed in a glass bulb with a vacuum or inert gas to protect the filament from oxi ...
s,
fluorescent lamp
A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, which produces short-wave ultraviolet, ult ...
s,
LED lamp
An LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light that produces light using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lamps are significantly more energy-efficient than equivalent incandescent lamps
and can be significantly more efficient than mo ...
s) contains the following information:
*the energy efficiency category from A to G
*the
luminous flux
In photometry, luminous flux or luminous power is the measure of the perceived power of light. It differs from radiant flux, the measure of the total power of electromagnetic radiation (including infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light), in tha ...
of the bulb in
lumens
*the electricity consumption of the lamp in watts
*the average life length in hours
According to the light bulb's electrical consumption relative to a standard (GLS or incandescent), the lightbulb is in one of the following classes:
Class A is defined in a different way; hence, the variable percentage.
Since 2012
A+ and A++ classes are added and are introduced different classes for directional lamps and non-directional lamps.
Directional lamps are defined as "having at least 80% light output within a solid angle of π sr (corresponding to a cone with angle of 120°)".
These lamp classes correspond roughly to the following lamp types:
Since September 2009, household light bulbs must be class A, with the exception of clear (transparent) lamps. For the latter category, lamps must be class C or better, with a transition period up to September 2012, and class B after September 2016.
[Frequently asked questions on the regulation phasing out conventional incandescent bulbs](_blank)
European Union, 2009 (?)
Calculation
Incandescent and fluorescent lamps with and without an integrated
ballast
Ballast is material that is used to provide stability to a vehicle or structure. Ballast, other than cargo, may be placed in a vehicle, often a ship or the gondola of a balloon or airship, to provide stability. A compartment within a boat, ship ...
can be divided into energy efficiency classes. The division of lamps into such classes was made in EU Directive 98/11/EC
on 27 January 1998, and includes lamps that are not marketed for use in the home. Light sources with an output of more than 6,500 lm and those that are not operated on line voltage are excluded. The energy efficiency class is determined as follows (Φ is the luminous flux in lm and ''P'' is the power consumption of the lamp in W):
Lamps are classified into class A if:
:
Fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast, are classified into class A if:
:
The classification in the energy efficiency class B-G is based on the percentage (Energy Efficiency Index) at the reference power
:
about the power consumption of a standard light bulb with the same luminous flux.
Television
In 2010, an energy label for televisions was introduced.
[ COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) No 1062/2010 of 28.9.2010 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of televisions](_blank)
European Union (2010)
The energy class is based on the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), which is the power consumption relative to a reference power consumption. The reference power consumption of a normal television with screen area ''A'' is
:
Where
= 20 W for a television set with one tuner/receiver and no hard disc.
Since the switch to digital terrestrial transmissions all new televisions sold in Europe have both analogue and digital tuners so the reference power was increased to 24 Watts as set out in the directive the formula is as follows
:
for television sets with two or more tuners/receivers.
Adding of a hard drive(s), then the formula is as follows
:
for television sets with hard disc(s) and two or more tuners/receivers.
For example, a television with a diagonal of 82 cm (32 in) has a screen area ''A'' = 28.7
dm2 and a reference power consumption of 144 W. The energy classes are as in the table below.
The annual on-mode energy consumption ''E'' in kWh is calculated as ''E'' = 1460
/a× P
/ 1000, or simplified ''E'' = 1,460 × P.
In televisions with automatic brightness control, the on-mode power consumption is reduced by 5% if the following conditions are fulfilled when the television is placed on the market:
(a)
the luminance of the television in the home-mode or the on-mode condition as set by the supplier, is automatically reduced between an ambient light intensity of at least 20 lux and 0 lux;
(b)
the automatic brightness control is activated in the home-mode condition or the on-mode condition of the television as set by the supplier.
Cars
For motor-vehicle it isn't electrical efficiency that is indicated but
carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide ( chemical formula ) is a chemical compound made up of molecules that each have one carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is found in the gas state at room temperature. In the air, carbon dioxide is t ...
emissions in grams per kilometre travelled.
Other information that is indexed for the energy label is:
*its brand
*its model
*its version
*its fuel
*its transmission type
*its weight
*the different consumptions of fuel
**mixed consumption
**urban consumption
**extra-urban consumption
*the CO
2 emissions in grammes per kilometre
Tyres
European tyre labels came into force in November 2012. The tyre labelling will show three
tyre performance attributes;
rolling resistance
Rolling resistance, sometimes called rolling friction or rolling drag, is the force resisting the motion when a body (such as a ball, tire, or wheel) rolls on a surface. It is mainly caused by non-elastic effects; that is, not all the energy ...
, wet grip and external rolling noise. The tyre label apply to:
*
Car and
SUV tyres
*
Van
A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. Depending on the type of van, it can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck and SUV, and bigger than a common car. There is some varying in the scope of the word across th ...
tyres
*
Truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame constructi ...
tyres
with the exception of:
*Tyres for cars made before 1 October 1990
*Re-treaded tyres
*
Motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle Steering, steered by a Motorcycle handlebar, handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: Long-distance ...
tyres
*Racing/sports car tyres
*Studded tyres
*Spare tyres
*Vintage car tyres
*Professional off-road tyres.
Society and culture
Impacts on purchasing decisions
A trial of estimated financial energy cost of
refrigerators alongside EU energy-efficiency class (EEEC) labels online found that the approach of labels involves a trade-off between
financial considerations and higher cost requirements in effort or time for the product-selection from the
many available options – which are often unlabelled and don't have any EEEC-requirement for being bought, used or sold within the EU. Moreover, in this one trial the labeling was ineffective in
shifting purchases towards more sustainable options.
See also
*
Ecolabel
Ecolabels (also "Eco-Labels") and Green Stickers are labeling systems for food and consumer products. The use of ecolabels is voluntary, whereas green stickers are mandated by law; for example, in North America major appliances and automobiles us ...
*
Home energy performance certificate
*
House energy rating
*
Energy policy of the European Union
*
Fuel mix disclosure on labelling the origins and environmental effects of electricity
*
European tyre labels
Other energy labels
*
EnergyGuide
*
Energy rating label
*
China Energy Label
The China Energy Label (CEL, zh, 中国能效标识) is an energy consumption label for products in China, similar to the European Union energy label. Manufacturers of specified electronic devices are obligated to attach a CEL label to their ...
References
External links
Official EU regulations on energy labellingCome On Labels project
{{Authority control
E
European Union law
Rating systems
Energy consumption
Labels