The Energy Saving Trust has launched an initiative called Label2020 to help retailers and brands ensure they are complying with the new energy efficiency labelling requirements that were introduced earlier this month.
March 1 saw the launch of new energy efficiency labels for domestic appliances. Designed to make decisions easier for customers purchasing new products, the re-scaled and re-designed energy labels feature new information that will accurately detail their energy efficiency and help consumers make more informed choices.
The new labels, which feature on refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, washer dryers, dishwashers, TVs and electronic displays, were rolled out from March 18 this year.
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is the UK Government department responsible for the policy design and legislation of the energy label, as well as managing the UK’s energy label generator for manufacturers.
A BEIS spokesperson said: “The Government is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 including by pushing for energy-related products to use less energy. Energy labels play an important part in this, and by providing consumers with more accurate information the labels can help people save money on their bills and reduce their carbon footprints.
“The Label2020 project is a useful tool for manufacturers and retailers to use to ensure they comply with the new requirements from March 1, 2021.”
Buying group Euronics (CIH) is partnering with the Energy Saving Trust to promote the benefits of the new energy labels.
Steve Scogings, chairman of CIH, said: “Euronics are pleased to be working with Energy Saving Trust to support and educate customers in their choices when selecting new appliances that provide great energy savings, and to assist those customers in understanding the recent changes around energy labels.”
He added: “The Label 2020 project by the Energy Saving Trust is a great initiative, and, as local independent retailers seated in the heart of their community, our Euronics stores and staff are well placed to pass on this advice.”
Commenting on the new energy labelling scheme, Emilie Carmichael, head of international collaboration at the Energy Saving Trust, the UK partner in the international consortium responsible for communicating the changes to the energy label across Europe, said: “This is a great milestone for consumer energy efficiency in the UK. These developments clearly illustrate how consumer demand can drive industry to deliver positive changes in response to the climate crisis.
“For consumers, the clearer information on the new labels will increase awareness and make it easier for them to choose more environmentally-friendly appliances that help to reduce their energy use at home.
“It is a clear sign that, even at this difficult time, society is putting energy saving more and more in the forefront of their minds when making purchasing decisions. We’re particularly grateful to the retailers who have led on this initiative to ensure information is readily available to their customers at the right time and in the right place.”
One of these proactive retailers is Retra member Hughes, the country's fourth largest specialist electrical retailer and the largest provider of home entertainment and kitchen appliance rentals.
Simon Cox, e-commerce director at Hughes, said: “Clearly an important part of any purchase decision is the products efficiency. The Energy Saving Trust provided constructive advice that enabled Hughes to scope out a project to gather the relevant information and labels from our suppliers.
“We put together a team of product experts to change our product features and energy labels ready for March 1. By encouraging our customers to buy the most energy-efficient products, Hughes have played our part in saving our customers money and reduce their household carbon footprint.”
For more information about the labelling system, including information for consumers, retailers and manufacturers, visit:
www.energylabel.org.uk/for-professionals/resources
www.facebook.com/EnergyLabelUK
