Energy efficiency labelling of products
Framework Regulation on the standardised Europe-wide energy efficiency labelling of products
Colour-coded efficiency scales visualise the energy consumption of products and help customers across Europe to purchase energy-efficient products. They also result in greater competition between different manufacturers, as customers are likely to take a closer look at products’ energy performance before making their choice.
The European Union has defined a uniform European framework for the award of efficiency classes, based on Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 setting a framework for energy labelling of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017.
The scope of the Regulation basically covers all energy-related products. This applies to household appliances, but also products for commercial applications (e.g. commercial refrigerators) as well as products that do not consume energy themselves, but nonetheless have a significant impact on energy consumption (e.g. insulated windows).
Transposition of the Framework Regulation into German law
The EU Framework Regulation on energy labelling of products was implemented in Germany under the recast Act on Energy Consumption Labelling (in German) and the revised Ordinance on Energy Consumption Labelling (in German). Both the act and the ordinance entered into force on 17 May 2012 (Official Federal Gazette I p. 1070).
The goal of these two implementing measures is to improve the market surveillance of product labelling. This is done by broadening the implementation powers and duties of the Länder in the field of market surveillance in keeping with Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008. Well-functioning market surveillance will guarantee equality of competition among companies and ensure that consumer information is correct.
The European Commission's product-specific legal acts state which specific product groups are required to have an EU energy label. These legal acts also specify when the producers' and distributors' duties become effective for the individual product groups, and which transitional measures apply.
Design of the EU energy label
The EU energy label is limited to seven energy efficiency classes. If warranted by technological progress, three additional classes (A+, A++, A+++) can be added above the scale, which currently ranges from A (more efficient) to G (less efficient).
The uniform Europe-wide energy label is language-neutral. In addition to pictograms indicating the energy efficiency class, it gives consumers information about annual energy consumption and other product specifics, for example, the water consumption and water-extraction efficiency of washing machines.
Product-specific acts at European level
The EU Framework Regulation serves as a basis for product-specific EU regulations. These regulations issued by the European Commission apply throughout the EU, without the need for transposition into national law, and are binding on all distributors and producers. At present, there are 16 groups of products (including standard household devices, TV sets and boilers) for which specific regulations apply. You can access an overview of these regulations and of the product groups currently going through the European Commission procedures on the website of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) website (only in German). The most recent regulations apply to solid-fuel boilers and single-room heaters.
Amendment to the EU Energy Labelling Regulation
Some product groups (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers and fridges and freezers) have become much more energy efficient, which is why it became necessary to review the EU Energy Labelling Regulation. Under the old system, many products fall into the highest category (A +++).
Germany successfully advocated during the revision process that the EU return to a labelling system that does without the many ‘plus’ categories, simply using the letters A to G. The most efficient devices available at the time of the reform have been placed in the B category, or lower. The A category and, in the case of highly dynamic product groups, the B category, have been left out to create fresh scope for improvement. The revised Energy Efficiency Labelling Regulation stipulates the procedure and the deadlines for the transition from the A+ to A+++ labels to the new A to G categories.
As of 2019, all products subject to energy labelling will also be included in a dedicated product database. This database will be available to consumers wishing to compare products’ energy efficiency, and to the market surveillance authorities monitoring compliance with the labelling requirements.
Following the political decision on the new energy label of 21 March 2017 and the approval by the European Parliament and the Council in June of the same year, the Energy Labelling Regulation entered into force on 1 August 2017.
EU energy labels for heating systems and boilers
Efficiency labelling is particularly important where heating systems and boilers are concerned. Depending on their energy performance, these devices may be very energy-intensive and cause high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The EU wants to prevent this and has therefore introduced an energy label for new indoor heating systems and boilers. The label, which has been in use since 26 September 2015, helps consumers choose an energy-efficient device that will also reduce their energy bills.
The labels are based upon the familiar, colour-coded scale ranging from A++ to G and are used to indicate the efficiency classes of the following types of devices:
- space heaters that generate heat for a central heating system, such as gas boilers, heat pumps and cogeneration units,
- all combination heaters that also serve as water heaters, and
- water heaters, including flow heaters and boilers.
- Labelling requirements now also cover hot water storage tanks with a storage volume of up to 500 litres.
In addition to the energy efficiency category of the device, the label also states its nominal capacity or annual energy consumption, and the amount of noise generated (in decibels). The label used for boilers also provides information on the amount of heat that is lost during storage. The different energy efficiency categories make it easier for consumers to compare and opt for an efficient device. As consumers are increasingly looking for energy efficient products, manufacturers will seek to compete on energy efficiency. This will help reduce Europe’s total energy consumption in a meaningful way. Germany has also introduced a National Energy Efficiency Label for Old Heating Installations. This label, which has been in use since 1 January 2016, is distributed by chimney sweeps free of charge.
National Energy Efficiency Label for Old Heating Installations
The National Energy Efficiency Label for Old Heating Installations is designed to give consumers information about the state of their boiler and encourage them to swap it for a new and energy efficient one. In addition to this, consumers also receive additional information about energy audits and funding available from KfW (Reconstruction Loan Corporation) and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).