Energy labels

On energy label itself

The energy efficiency label, called the energy label for short, is the label that makes so many of us able to judge at a glance the energy efficiency of the refrigerator or fluorescent lamp we are buying. This is very important because choosing, for example, class A, B or C instead of class G usually means several tens of percent less electricity consumption by a given appliance. This can mean up to several hundred kilowatt-hours (kWh) less on the electricity bill. It also means savings for the wallet – according to the rachuneo.pl portal, each kilowatt hour not used is 1 PLN gained.

The obligations of manufacturers and stores related to energy labels are regulated by EU regulations, which have been in place for 30 years. Therefore, when we buy equipment with an energy label, we are also assured that reliable and verified data is displayed on all compared appliances. The simplicity of communicating information to consumers and the unified standards for measuring parameters by manufacturers determine the success of the label. Today’s EU energy labeling system, in conjunction with EU regulations on eco-design of appliances, is one of the main tools for achieving EU targets for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

An energy label is usually a “sticker” displayed in a store on an appliance. Its main part is the energy efficiency scale, that is, 7 colored bars. They are assigned letters from G to A, that is, energy classes. Energy class is another way of saying energy efficiency class. It is calculated on the basis of annual electricity consumption and is specified in kilowatt-hours. Next to the scale is an arrow, which indicates the energy efficiency class of a particular appliance model. The least energy-efficient appliance is classified in energy class G, marked by a red stripe, while the one consuming the least electricity is classified in class A with a green stripe. Assignment to “stripes” is based on laboratory tests of power consumption. Depending on the appliance, the label indicates the annual electricity consumption (for example, of a refrigerator) or per 100 washing or dishwashing cycles. The detailed figure is given in so-called kilowatt-hours, or kWh for short. In addition, each label carries the brand and model of the appliance, information on the consumption of other natural resources and the performance of other functions, such as washing or drying. The label also informs about the noise emissions of the equipment.

Energy labels also carry a QR code that, when scanned, redirects to a dedicated website for the selected model. The consumer can find there additional information about such a device. The database itself, to which the QR code redirects us, has the official name EPREL. It has a number of features useful to consumers, including the ability to search for the most efficient models in a given category or compare several models.

Link to EPREL: https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/home

Consumer trust and innovation

All equipment manufacturers use the same EU harmonized standards (or rely on the same calculation methodology) to obtain the information about their product required by the labels. Detailed defined tests are carried out in accredited laboratories. Thus, the consumer is guaranteed that when comparing data from the labels of appliances of different models and brands, they are adequate and true.

Thanks to the confidence provided by the label, energy efficiency has become as much a factor in the purchase as the price of the household appliances purchased. The consumer’s emphasis on energy savings has also encouraged manufacturers to seek innovative technologies. Thus, it is a kind of driving system that stimulates technological development. The whole process is overseen by the European Commission, which is trying to keep up with product changes with its regulations, and is promoting labeling, such as by incorporating labels into Green Public Procurement (GPP) requirements. Labeling is also closely linked to another EU system, eco-design. Its task in this case is to further mobilize manufacturers to phase out the least efficient equipment.

Label regulations

Energy labels as we know them today were introduced in the European Union in 1993 with the so-called Energy Labeling Directive (ELD), which regulated the rules of labeling and the obligations of equipment manufacturers and sellers. The group of equipment falling under the labeling was also clearly defined. Over the 30 years of its existence, these regulations have been amended several times and additional product categories have been added. Currently, at the EU level, labeling obligations for energy-using products are regulated by Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2017. Manufacturers (or importers) are responsible for providing the label and the accuracy of the declared information, while suppliers, i.e. stores, are responsible for displaying the label on the device at the point of sale. The correctness of the system is supervised by national supervisory inspections, in Poland it is the UOKiK – Urząd Ochrony Konsumentów i Konkurencji (Office of Consumer and Competition Protection). Detailed regulations specifying information and methodologies for measuring parameters for each group of devices are issued by the European Commission in so-called implementing acts. Today there are 16 product groups covered by the labeling system:

1. Refrigerators and freezers, wine coolers
2. Dishwashers
3. Washing machines and washer-dryers
4. Tumble dryers
5. Stoves, ovens, hoods
6. Air conditioners
7. Electronic displays, including televisions
8. Cell phones, cordless phones and tablets
9. Light sources
10. Ventilation systems
11. Fireplaces and other local space heaters
12. Heat pumps and other space or water heating devices
13. Instantaneous water heaters
14. Solar collectors
15. Solid fuel boilers
16. Professional refrigeration and automatic refrigeration machines
17. Tires

New generation of energy labels

As a result of this development, the number of models in the highest classes is increasing. For these reasons, for example, in 2010 the Union decided to temporarily expand the energy efficiency scale for appliances by allowing new energy classes to be added to the A-G scale, i.e. A+, A++ and A+++ energy classes. This was a temporary solution, because a few years later, thanks to technological advances, only appliances in classes with pluses were on sale. Therefore, the European Union decided to return to the A-G scale, which was also more readable for consumers. Unfortunately, this involves a transition period, i.e. replacing the labels on the appliances sold and rescaling. For example, a refrigerator consuming 150 kWh, for example, went from the old highest class A+++ to the new class D. Such new labels with the A-G scale today have refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, washer-dryers and televisions. Classes with “pluses” still exist on the remaining categories, but are being systematically scaled down. New classes will receive tumble dryers starting in 2025, and then more appliances. A general rule of thumb is applied everywhere – at the moment of rescaling, the best appliances on the market go to class C at most, and classes A and B remain empty – this is supposed to motivate manufacturers to make further investments from raising the efficiency of appliances. Usually in such a change, the class, e.g. A+++ goes to the new class C or D, and the class A+ goes to the new class F or G.

For detailed descriptions of energy labels for appliances and useful tips on how to save electricity and resources using household appliances, visit www.etykietaenergetyczna.pl.

In Poland, the provisions of Directive 2010/30/EU were implemented by the provisions of the Act on the obligations to report on the consumption of energy by energy-using products of September 14, 2012 (Journal of Laws of 2012, item 1203), which was amended by the Act of May 27, 2015 amending the Act on the obligations to report on the consumption of energy by energy-using products and certain other acts (Journal of Laws of 2015, item 1069). In accordance with Article 2(2) of the Act, in the form of a notice by the Minister of Energy dated April 22, 2016. (MP 2016, item 420), a list of delegated acts adopted by the European Commission up to the publication of this notice was announced.