From 1 September, new energy labels for light bulbs and other lighting products will be applicable in all shops and online outlets in the EU to help consumers choose the most energy-efficient products to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
“93% of consumers recognise this label, and for 79% it influences their purchasing decision”, a Commission spokesperson said.
In particular, the new label marks a return to a scale from ‘A’ (for the most energy efficient products) to ‘G’ (for the least efficient).
According to the Commission, this is not only simpler than the ‘A+’, ‘A++’, or ‘A+++’ labels, but also necessary, as it leaves more room for the gradual entry of more efficient products on the market.
So while many light bulbs and lighting products currently on the market have achieved an ‘A+’ or ‘A++’ level in recent years, the new scale is designed so that very few products will initially be able to achieve ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades. The most effective products currently on the market will now generally be labelled ‘C’ or ‘D’.
In addition, the new labels include new elements, such as a QR code that links to a European database providing more details about the product. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)