Energy Labelling and Energy Star
The EU’s energy labelling scheme provides consumers around Europe with reliable and comparable information on the energy use of domestic appliances. In Finland, energy labelling is overseen by the Safety Technology Authority (Tukes).Appliances covered by the EU energy labelling scheme:
- cold storage appliances;
- washing machines;
- tumble and spin dryers;
- dishwashers;
- lamps;
- ovens; and
- air conditioning equipment.
Appliances are rated and labeled according to their energy efficiency category from A to G. Energy labels also include highlighted coloured arrows that indicate energy efficiency categories. The most energy efficient A-rated appliances are labeled with dark green arrows. Since 2005, A+ and A++ sub-categories have been used for the best performing refrigerators and freezers within category A.
The energy labels on appliances also contain useful specific information on their energy characteristics, to help consumers make informed choices according to the way they will use appliances. Washing machines have separate ratings for their washing and spinning functions, for instance.
The energy consumption figures shown on appliances’ energy labels are measured in standardised laboratory conditions. In practice their energy consumption levels may vary depending on where they are located and how they are used.
The Energy Star programme
The Energy Star is an international voluntary energy efficiency labelling scheme for office equipment. The scheme was first set up in the USA, and then adopted in Europe through an EU regulation (106/2008) that commits public authorities and institutions in all member states to give preference in their purchases of office equipment to appliances that meet the Energy Star scheme’s criteria for energy efficiency.The programme covers the following types of office equipment:
- computers;
- computer monitors; and
- imaging equipment (photocopiers, fax machines, printers, scanners, multi-function devices etc.).
