New EU energy labels for lighting products come into force
Energy efficiency label - Image BEUC
(BRUSSELS) - A new energy label started appearing on lamps sold across the European Union as from 1 September, helping consumers to get clearer, more helpful information on the energy efficiency of lamps.
Lighting products are following in the footsteps of other electrical appliances that have been benefitting from the new energy label since 1 March this year: fridges, freezers, washing machines, ovens, and TV sets.
The major change is the removal of the confusing 'A+', 'A++' and 'A+++' classes that had appeared on the energy label over the years. The label will revert to the popular A-G scale, as requested by consumer groups. Most appliances were grouped in the '+' classes, thus leaving lower classes empty and making the label rather meaningless.
The stricter measurement method means that a lamp previously ranking A++ may be downgraded to D for example, as found by Belgian consumer group Test Achats.
This does not mean the lamp has become less efficient. The new ranking simply reflects the present state-of-the-art, and leaves room for future innovative products to populate the A class.
The change has been welcomed by the European Consumer Organsaisation BEUC. "Shoppers get much clearer information on the energy performance of dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and TV screens - and now lamps," said Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC: "At a time when more environmentally friendly consumption is growing on many minds, this is excellent news. We're looking forward to 2025, when the old energy label will be history."
The Commission is currently also working on updating the labelling for products including tumble dryers, local space heaters, air conditioners, cooking appliances, ventilation units, professional refrigeration cabinets, space and water heaters, and solid fuel boilers, and considering the introduction of new energy labels for solar panels.
The new energy label: back to the A-G label - ANEC-BEUC factsheet