Energy and Environmental Labelling

Energy and environmental labelling as a selection aid

Energy and environmental labelling help you in choosing energy efficient appliances. At the same time, you are sending a message to the retailer, manufacturer and electricity producer about the necessity of paying attention to energy efficiency and the environment.

	Energy labelling In EU countries, standardized energy labelling gives reliable and comparative information on the energy consumption of home appliances. Information is based on measurable results in accordance with manufacturers’ standards. Energy labelling is compulsory in 7 appliance groups: cold storage appliances washing machines and washer-dryers dryers dishwashers light bulbs ovens air conditioners In Finland, the Turvatekniikan keskus Tukes oversees the maintenance and validity of energy labelling.
	The European Ecolabel – the EU flower The criteria of the EU environmental labelling system have been adopted by the EU and the EU Commission. Acceptance criteria have been confirmed for 27 product groups. The aim of the Ecolabel is to promote the development, manufacture, marketing and use of products that are less of a burden to the environment. In Finland the label is handled by SFS Ecolabel.
	Nordic Swan ecolabel The Nordic eco label system is voluntary and nonaligned, and aims to increase the awareness of consumers about the environmental impact of products and to provide guidance on choosing alternative products on the market that pose less of an environmental burden. The label, which is valid for a fixed term, has been granted for 68 product groups. In Finland the grounds for granting the label is decided by the Finnish Eco-labelling board.
	Ecoenergy label The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation grants the Ecoenergy label for energy products fulfilling certain criteria concerning renewable energy sources. The label covers both electrical and district heating.
	ENERGY STAR The international ENERGY STAR label sets norms for the energy consumption of office appliances. All the major computer manufacturers have models that fulfil the ENERGY STAR criteria.
	TCO The TCO certified label was developed by the Swedish Union of Local Government Officers, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservatyion, the Swedish Energy Agency and SEMKO Ltd. In granting the TCO label, attention is paid to the ergonomic energy saving qualities of screens and computers, the electromagnetic radiation of appliances and environmental friendliness. The label also sets requirements in process of manufacturing equipment and concerning the use of freons and heavy metals and other such hazardous materials.