Agreement Reached on EU's Revised Energy Efficiency Labelling Directive
November 19, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The agreement clears the way to extend the scope of the framework directive, which currently covers household goods only, to all energy-related products in the European Union (EU).
The directive outlines the main elements of the new energy label: an A-G scale, with the possibility of going to A+++ if technological development so requires. The label will be color-coded, from dark green (most energy-efficient) to red (least energy-efficient), thereby clearly guiding consumers.
With a view to further enhancing information and awareness for consumers, the parties also agreed to require that advertisements, where they contain energy-related or pricing information, should also include a reference to the energy efficiency class of the product.
Furthermore, for public procurement purchases, EU member states said they will consider procuring the best-performing products, provided it ensures good use of public money.
"The political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the Labelling Directive is a significant contribution towards reaching our energy savings target. This agreement paves the way to adopt legislation on a wide range of products in the future that helps us to honour our commitment on the reduction of CO2 emissions," said EC Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
The text of the revised directive will be adopted formally after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on Dec. 1. It is expected that the parties will further refine some provisions to adapt to the new applicable procedures.
Source: European Commission (EC).