EU energy efficiency labelling goes “beyond A”

clipped from www.energyefficiencynews.com The EU is planning to introduce a new energy labelling scheme for household appliances like fridges, freezers, TVs, washing machines and dishwashers. The new measures, which are part of the Eco-design initiative, will also limit the amount of energy that appliances are allowed to consume. Many household appliances have been labelled since the 1990s with information about their energy efficiency, but most products are now rated as ‘A’. The new label, which is based on the existing A-G coloured scheme, will go “beyond A” and introduce additional classes of efficiency to the top grade. Appliances will now be labelled A-20%, A-40%, etc. depending on how much more efficient they are than the current A grade. The energy efficiency class of appliances already on the market will not change, but fridges and freezers that have an A+ or A++ grade will be equivalent to the new A-20%, A-40%, etc. grades.