European Union energy label

Example EU energy label for a washing machine

EU Directive 92/75/EC established an energy consumption labeling scheme. The directive was implemented by several other directives thus most white goods, light bulb packaging 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 websites.

In an attempt to keep up with advances in energy efficiency, A+, A++ and A+++ grades were later introduced for refrigeration products.

Directive 92/75/EC was replaced by Directive 2010/30/EU which must be applied from 31 July 2011.

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 decibels

Refrigerators, freezers and combined appliances

Here is the table that indicates the energy use index, the index is calculated for each appliance according to its consumption and its compartments' volume taking into account the appliance type. The index is thus not calculated in kW·h.

A+++	A++	A+	A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<22	<30	<42	<55	<75	<90	<100	<110	<125	>125

The label also contains:

• the annual energy consumption in kW·h per year
• 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+ and A++ have been assigned.

Washing machines, tumble dryers and combined appliances

For washing machines the energy efficiency scale is calculated using 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 kilogramme of washing.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<0.19	<0.23	<0.27	<0.31	<0.35	<0.39	>0.39

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)

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 kilogramme of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.

Condenser dryers

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<0.55	<0.64	<0.73	<0.82	<0.91	<1.00	>1.00

Vented dryers

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<0.51	<0.59	<0.67	<0.75	<0.83	<0.91	>0.91

The label also contains:

• the energy consumption per cycle
• the total cotton capacity
• whether the unit is vented or condensing
• 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 kilogramme of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<0.68	<0.81	<0.93	<1.05	<1.17	<1.29	>1.29

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 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. The unit is expressed in kW·h per 12 place settings.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<1.06	<1.25	<1.45	<1.65	<1.85	<2.05	>2.05

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

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

The directive applies only to units under 12 kW. On every label, you will find:

• the model,
• the energy efficiency category from A to G,
• the annual energy consumption (full load at 500 hr 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)

For air conditioners with heating capability, you will also find:

• the heat output at full load in kW
• the heating mode energy efficiency category

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G
Cooling EER W/W	>3.2	3.0–3.2	2.8–3.0	2.6–2.8	2.4–2.6	2.2–2.4	<2.2
Heating COP W/W	>3.6	3.4–3.6	3.2–3.4	2.8–3.2	2.6–2.8	2.4–2.6	<2.4

Note that there exists units with EER and COP > 5, so take a note of the actual number when it is A rated.

Light bulbs

On every label, you will find:

• the energy efficiency category from A to G
• the luminous flux of the bulb in lumens
• the electricity consumption of the lamp in watts
• the average life length in hours

According to the lightbulb's electrical consumption relative to a standard (GLS or incandescent), the lightbulb is in one of the following classes:

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
20–50%	50–75%	75–90%	90–100%	100–110%	110–125%	>125%

Television

New standards that televisions need to meet for the Energy Star efficiency rating came into effect early in September 2009.

Cars

An Irish Car CO₂ Label

For motor-vehicle it isn't electrical efficiency that is indicated but carbon dioxide emissions in grammes per kilometre travelled.

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
<100	<120	<140	<160	<200	<250	>250

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 CO₂ emissions in grammes per kilometre

See also

• Ecolabel
• Home energy performance certificate
• Energy policy of the European Union
• Fuel mix disclosure on labelling the origins and environmental effects of electricity

External links

• New EU energy label, a guide for retailers
• ATLETE project - Appliance Testing for Energy Label Evaluation
• Come On Labels project