New EU Energy Rating May Shame Manufacturers

European energy ratings for consumer products are about to get a major overhaul. The current standard, which has been in use since 2010 somewhat outdated. At this point, poses no challenge to manufacturers in terms of achieving the highest certification levels. Introducing a new and stricter energy label, will force companies to spend more effort in creating more power efficient products.

It’s basically a shaming tactic. Most manufacturers tout their products’ ‘super efficiency’ by displaying the ratings with bold text on large stickers on the front panels. However, the new rating scheme makes it tougher for them to reach the same ‘badge of honor’.

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The switch consists of a scale based on the letters A to G, which excludes the current plus signs (A+++/A+). They will also be accompanied by QR codes that link to product specification and a new scale for measuring noise. Once this new ratings scheme is introduced, even the most efficient products will fall somewhere in the middle.

The EU’s new energy label scheme applies to refrigerators, freezers, combined refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, combined washing machines with dryers, dishwashers, wine coolers, TVs, computer screens and digital information screens. The sound level is classified on a scale from A to D. Here’s the breakdown:

Dishwashers

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The rating for such devices is based on the energy consumption per 100 washing cycles. On the same label, there’s information on the number of envelopes, water consumption per water cycle, the length of the washing cycle and sound level.

Washing machines

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The label shows energy consumption per 100 washing cycles (and / or dying cycles), maximum amount of drying per kilo, water consumption per cycle, length of one cycle and noise level.

Washer And Dryer

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It’s based on weighted consumption per 100 cycles, Nominal capacity for “washing & dry cycle” and for washing cycle. Weighted water consumption “washing & dry cycle” and for washing cycle and duration for “washing and dry cycle” and for washing cycle. They even factor in the noise emission during the tumble drying process.

Fridge And Freezer

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This is based on annual energy consumption. Capacity of these machines are shown in liters and like the rest, noise levels are factored in as well.

Electronic Screens

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Its based on energy consumption per 1000 hours. The label also shows diagonal screen size, screen resolution and energy efficiency for HDR monitors because they usually consumes twice as much powers as other settings.

The EU’s new energy rating scheme came into effect on March 1st, however it might take some time before manufacturers begin to display their new rating. One would imagine that they aren’t in a rush to publish mediocre energy efficacy.