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Energy labels


The energy labels shown here focus on products which make the best use of energy, and so perform well while saving on running costs.

European energy label

European Energy Label

The European Energy Label tells you how efficiently a product uses energy.

Products are usually rated from G (worst) to A (best). At the moment, the scale also includes A+ and A++ for fridges and freezers. In future, this will also happen for other products.

To be sure of buying the most efficient product, look at the consumption in kiloWatt hours (kWh) that is given on the label. The lower it is, the less energy the product uses.

The European Energy Label is compulsory on these products:

  • household fridges and freezers
  • washing machines, tumble dryers and washer-dryers
  • dishwashers
  • air conditioners
  • electric ovens
  • light bulbs

More products will have the label in the future, including televisions and boilers

Energy Saving Trust Recommended

The Energy Saving Trust Recommended scheme is voluntary and shows you a product is very energy efficient – usually among the top 20 per cent most efficient available.

The wide range of products covered includes:

  • appliances like washing machines and fridges
  • light fittings
  • boilers and hot water cylinders
  • insulation
  • glazing
  • televisions

The scheme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

European Ecolabel

The European Ecolabel is given to products that are less harmful to the environment than other similar products – and this includes using less energy.

You can find out more by reading ‘European Ecolabel’.

TCO label

The TCO Certified label shows that IT equipment is energy efficient and made with fewer harmful chemicals.

All equipment must:

  • contain fewer materials that can be a risk to the environment and human health – certain substances, like lead, are banned
  • be energy efficient
  • be easily recyclable – for example, by making different plastics easy to separate out
  • be produced in a way that reduces its impact on the environment
  • give a spare part guarantee to encourage a longer life for the product
  • be produced by a manufacturer that actively works to improve workers’ conditions

The label also tells you a product has very good performance, low noise levels, and low electrical and magnetic fields.

Energy Star

The EU (European) Energy Star scheme is voluntary. It shows that office equipment has reached energy efficiency standards set by the EU, both when being used and in standby mode.

The logo appears on some types of office equipment, like:

  • computers
  • monitors
  • printers
  • fax machines

Energy Performance Certificates

All homes bought, sold or rented have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

EPCs contain:

  • information on a home's current energy use and carbon dioxide emissions
  • an estimate of how energy efficient a home could be if you put in place energy saving measures, like fitting loft insulation
  • a report with suggested ways to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

Homes are rated from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient), with the average efficiency grade to date being D. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so it’s easy to compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

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