60 second guide to... Energy ratings
Duncan Clark
Buying energy efficient products is easier than ever, thanks to labelling schemes that rate a product's energy consumption and, in some cases, its performance
The EU energy label
Retailers are obliged by law to make sure that consumers shopping for certain categories of products can view an EU energy label for each item on sale. The categories include fridges, freezers, dishwashers, cookers, light bulbs, lamps and air conditioners.
The EU energy label rates each product on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). But a few specific points or exceptions are worth noting:
- Fridges and freezers Most modern fridges score highly, so the A– G scale has been extended to include A+ (more efficient than A) and A++ (most efficient).
- Washing machines These are often described with three letters – AAB, for example. The first letter refers to efficiency (as measured for a fully loaded 60ºC cycle), the second to wash performance and the third to spin dry performance.
- Cars The A–G rating refers to CO2 emissions rather than fuel efficiency as such, though the two go hand in hand.
The EU label also offers lots of other information - the specifics depend upon the product. For example, the light output of a light bulb or the water consumption and noise level of a washing machine.
Energy Saving Recommended
In addition to the legally required EU label, some products also display an Energy Saving Recommended logo, which means they've been approved by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
To be awarded the logo, a product must meet the EST’s criteria for the relevant product category: A+ or above for fridges, for example, and AAA for washing machines.
Helpfully, the Energy Saving Recommended logo can be found on products, including double glazing and boilers, which aren’t required to display an EU energy label.
The EU Ecolabel
Aside from the obligatory energy labelling scheme, the EU also
administers a voluntary Ecolabel scheme that manufacturers can use to
highlight environmentally friendly products.
There are
Ecolabel criteria for everything from washing up liquid through to
fridges. The requirements for energy efficiency aren’t always
particularly strict.
Team Green Britain and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd (LOCOG) do not endorse any of the products, companies, organisations, opinions or websites that have been mentioned in this article. The content of this article has merely been provided as background to, or discussion on, various topical issues relating to the environment and it is not necessarily representative of the views of Team Green Britain and LOCOG. Further, any figures and calculations noted in this article are estimates (unless otherwise specified), and may vary in light of numerous factors and readers are advised to undertake their own research in relation to the facts and figures applicable to their particular circumstance.